I am one of those people that does very much care about Apple's "walled garden". The only reason I would get an Apple device is if I had to develop an app for it.
I have a friend who is an Apple fan, so I can see a lot of benefits to the Apple kool aid as he keeps on showing me all the useful things he can do on his Apple devices.
But what happens if I want to install an app that I want but Apple hasn't approved, well I have to jail break my Apple device, and that, right there, is the failure point and the reason I will never get an Apple for personal use.
1. Ad-hoc installs don't require Apple approval. This isn't a barrier for hackers.
2. iOS was supposed to be an HTML5 app device. Those install and run w/o Apple involvement at all.
3. Many of the neat tricks on Android require a rooted phone. Many neat tricks on iPhone require a jailbroken phone. Same idea. Again, not a barrier for hackers.
4. Computing succeeds when people can use it without stress, like they use their fridge or lately their car. iOS is closer to that today. I believe in a future where everyone can have the knowledge of the world in their hand -- and use it. And that, right there, is why I evangelize non-hackers to get an Apple for personal use. They quit just carrying a smartphone, and start using one.
> 3. Many of the neat tricks on Android require a rooted phone. Many neat tricks on iPhone require a jailbroken phone. Same idea. Again, not a barrier for hackers.
I don't think this is necessarily true. And even if it is, you can buy a phone that supports rooting out of the box if you want. Apple will never support jailbreaking.
They require the payment of $100 a year, to Apple, which certainly implies Apple approval (they could just choose to not take your money and grant you a cert.)
If the app is available and apple hasn't approved it there are two ways to install it.
1. Have the developer set you up for an ad hoc install(free).
2. If you have the source, create a developer account and install it yourself(costs money).
I have a friend who is an Apple fan, so I can see a lot of benefits to the Apple kool aid as he keeps on showing me all the useful things he can do on his Apple devices.
But what happens if I want to install an app that I want but Apple hasn't approved, well I have to jail break my Apple device, and that, right there, is the failure point and the reason I will never get an Apple for personal use.