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'Apple: Anti-dev platform critique posted'

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# Apple: The Anti-Dev Platform
This week has been a significant trial. I have had to use MacOS in my day job, and it’s reinforced my existing disdain for the platform. In fact, over the past 10 years of using an Apple-based platform, one thing is clear: it got worse.
## A Recent Trial
## How It Got Worse
This week has been quite the adventure. I found myself wrestling with MacOS at my day job. It has helped reinforce my existing disdain of the platform, in fact, in the 10ish years since I have used an Apple based platform I can safely say one thing. It got worse.
* **Outdated Hardware:** My loan device was from 2020, apparently too old to run the latest macOS.
* **Xcode Requirements:** To use Xcode, you need the latest macOS. If your hardware can’t handle that, tough luck.
* **Forced Obsolescence:** This means needing very new hardware to run the latest development tools on a Mac, which is ridiculous. Microsoft is doing something similar with Windows 11 requiring TPM 2.0. This is equally frustrating.
## The Loaned Device & Forced Upgrades
## The Problem
My loan device was from 2020, apparently too ancient to run the latest macOS. I needed Xcode, and naturally, if I can't run the latest macOS, I can't run the latest Xcode. The takeaway? To use the newest development tools on a Mac, you need hardware that's fresh out of the factory. This is ridiculous.
* **Outdated Hardware:** My loan device was from 2020, apparently too old to run the latest macOS.
* **Xcode Requirements:** To use Xcode, you need the latest macOS. If your hardware can’t handle that, tough luck.
* **Forced Obsolescence:** This means needing very new hardware to run the latest development tools on a Mac, which is ridiculous. Microsoft is doing something similar with Windows 11 requiring TPM 2.0. This is equally frustrating.
It feels like Apple is pushing users towards constant upgrades, mirroring Microsoft’s move with Windows 11 and its TPM 2.0 requirement. Both practices feel like forced obsolescence, encouraging unnecessary hardware upgrades and contributing to electronic waste.
## The Real Issue
## Developer Realities: A False Economy
* **Obsolete After 5 Years:** The idea that a machine is “obsolete” after five years needs to stop. Imagine having to replace our cars every five years—absolute folly.
* **Old Hardware, New Capabilities:** I use a 15-year-old machine with an 8-year-old graphics card for AI workloads and gaming. A 4-year-old machine serves as my main gaming computer. Even a 10-year-old all-in-one acts as our kitchen hub computer, running the latest Linux smoothly.
Most developers today only need a device to write code and push to remote pipelines. So, the idea that a machine becomes "obsolete" after five years is absurd. I use a 15-year-old machine with an 8-year-old graphics card for gaming and AI workloads. I have a 4-year-old rig as my main gaming computer. These machines run Linux swimmingly. Why can’t Apple be more flexible?
## The Cost
This creates a false economy. To develop on Apple, you basically have a $2k to $3k AUD cost every year on top of the $150 AUD entrance fee to be an Apple developer.
* **Financial Burden:** As a developer, you can’t use hardware older than 12 months on Apple. This creates a false economy and means spending $2k to $3k AUD every year just to develop on Apple.
* **Additional Fees:** On top of that, there’s the $150 annual fee for an Apple Developer License.
## The Cost of Entry
## The Ecosystem
The financial burden of being an Apple developer is substantial. The $150 annual fee, coupled with the high cost of Mac hardware, creates a significant barrier for many developers, especially newcomers. This exclusivity is problematic and counterproductive to fostering a diverse development community.
This ecosystem is the worst I’ve encountered and should die in a fire. And to general consumers using them: learn how to use a computer instead of relying on “big tech” to look after you.
## Security as Control
* **Triple Sign-In:** Can someone explain why building my own app on my own device requires triple sign-in and enrollment everywhere?
* **Ownership Issues:** It seems that spending $1k for a phone, $2k for a laptop means I don’t actually have the freedom to use them as I wish.
Arguments about security as a defense for Apple’s practices are disingenuous. If you’re using cloud services, you’re already compromised. Apple uses security as an excuse to control their ecosystem tightly, which isn’t helpful for developers or consumers.
## Security Concerns
## Loss of Control & Identity Verification
If you argue about security, remember: using a cloud service already compromises your data. Shut the fuck up.
The cumbersome process of signing in and enrolling everywhere to build apps feels like a loss of control over your devices. If you purchase an Apple product, shouldn’t you have the freedom to use it without excessive restrictions? And the requirement to upload government-issued IDs for their developer accounts? It makes me question Apple’s priorities.
## Developer Disgust
## The Wider Impact on Consumers
As developers, we should be disgusted by this practice. It’s anti-consumer and anti-user. If you find this ecosystem acceptable, take a good long hard look in the mirror. This goes against everything we stand for.
The issues aren’t confined to developers; consumers also bear the brunt of Apple’s policies. Higher costs and reduced control over devices make Apple products less appealing for those who value freedom and flexibility in their tech choices.
## Future Advocacy
## A Call to Action
In future jobs, I will advocate for an "Apple tax" of $5k for new equipment and 25% extra per hour for wasting my time with unnecessary Apple hurdles. Thank you for your time.
I urge developers to recognize these anti-consumer practices and advocate for change. In future roles, I will advocate for an “Apple tax” – think $5k for new equipment and 25% extra per hour wasted navigating these unnecessary hurdles.
## Conclusion
Apple’s approach is undeniably anti-consumer and anti-user. They need to reassess their strategies to avoid alienating those who value open technology and flexibility. Until then, the tech community should remain vigilant and vocal about these issues.