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# Apple. The anti dev platform.
# Apple: The Anti-Dev Platform
This week has been a significant trial. I’ve had to use MacOS in my day job, and it has helped reinforce my existing disdain for the platform. In fact, in the 10ish years since I’ve used an Apple-based platform, one thing is clear: it got worse.
## Introduction: Why I Hate Loving to Hate Apple
## The MacBook Loan Saga
Ah, Australia—where everything is either "matey" or "bloody brilliant," and where even tech enthusiasts have a healthy skepticism of corporate overlords. This week, I found myself in the unenviable position of using MacOS for work. It was like revisiting an old flame only to realize they’ve become *that* person—still attractive from afar, but toxic up close. Let me clarify: I’m not anti-Apple per se. I appreciate their design aesthetic as much as anyone. But when you’re a developer, especially one with a penchant for Linux and a deep love for open-source, Apple’s ecosystem feels like walking into a store where the sign says "Employee Discounts" but they charge you double for the privilege.
Picture this: I’m handed a MacBook that’s older than my first barbie. It’s a 2020 model, and I’m told it’s “good enough” for the job. I’m a bit skeptical, but I’m also a bit of a daredevil, so I give it a go. Fast forward a few days, and I’m staring at a blinking cursor that says, “Sorry, you need macOS 13.4 or later.” My heart drops faster than a roo on a trampoline. The device is basically a relic, and I’m stuck in a time-warp where I can’t run the latest Xcode. The irony? I’m a developer, and I’m being told I need the newest hardware to write code. It’s like being told you need a brand-new car to drive a 1995 model. Fair dinkum, right?
## 1. The Hardware-Software Tie-In: Why Buy New Every Year?
## Xcode and the Hardware Lottery
Let’s talk about my borrowed MacBook from 2020. It was a kind gesture, right? But here’s the kicker: this machine, which was cutting-edge just three years ago, is now deemed too old to run the latest MacOS. I needed Xcode for a project, and guess what? You can’t run the latest version of Xcode without the latest MacOS. So, to paraphrase: "Sorry, but your device isn’t *new enough* to develop on the Apple platform anymore." This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a deliberate strategy to force upgrades. It’s like buying a car that requires you to upgrade your entire garage every year just to keep it running.
Xcode is the holy grail for iOS and macOS developers. It’s the Swiss Army knife that lets you build, test, and ship apps. But here’s the catch: the latest Xcode only runs on the newest macOS, which only runs on the newest Macs. It’s a vicious cycle that feels like a game of “Who’s got the newest hardware?” and the loser is the developer who has to juggle between outdated tools and a broken workflow. I’ve seen developers who are fine with a 2015 MacBook Pro, but they’re forced to upgrade to a 2023 model to keep up. The cost? A couple of thousand dollars, and that’s just the hardware. Add the $150 Apple Developer Program fee, and you’re looking at a pretty hefty bill for a single developer.
## 2. Forced Obsolescence: The New "Upgrade" Cycle
## Forced Obsolescence: A New Aussie Idiom?
I get it, Microsoft did the whole TPM 2.0 thing with Windows 11. But Apple takes it to another level. They’ve turned hardware into a subscription model without you even realizing it. You buy a device, and within three years, it’s obsolete for their latest software and tools. This isn’t about security or innovation—it’s about control. Why release an operating system that only works on devices sold in the last 12 months? It creates a false market for "new" hardware, padding Apple’s margins at the expense of developers and users. It’s a bit like those printers that stop working after a certain number of pages – planned obsolescence at its finest.
We Aussies love a good yarn, and the term “forced obsolescence” is about to become the next slang in our tech circles. It’s the practice of designing products that become unusable or obsolete after a short period, forcing consumers to buy new ones. Apple’s approach to macOS and Xcode is a textbook example. They’re basically saying, “If you want to keep up, you need to keep buying.” It’s a bit like the old “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” adage, but with a tech twist. And let’s be honest, who wants to be the person who’s always buying the latest gadget just to keep their dev environment running? Not me, and probably not you either.
## 3. High Costs: The Developer Fee That Keeps On Giving
## Windows 11 and TPM 2.0: The Same Game, Different Rules
Let’s talk money—because who doesn’t love talking about money? To develop on Apple’s platform, you need an Apple Developer account. This costs $99 a year (or roughly $150 AUD). Now, if I were to buy a new MacBook Pro today, that would set me back around $2,500 AUD. And for what? The privilege of being able to build apps on my own device? It’s like paying a toll every year just to use the road you already own. Throw in Apple Arcade subscriptions and other paid tools, and suddenly, "free" software starts looking like a relic from the past. It’s enough to make you consider a career change and become a sheep farmer.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about Windows?” Well, Microsoft’s Windows 11 has its own version of forced obsolescence. It requires a TPM 2.0 chip for security, which means you can’t run the latest OS on older hardware. It’s the same game, just with a different rulebook. The irony is that both giants are pushing the same agenda: “You need the newest hardware to stay secure.” But let’s be real – the security argument is a bit flimsy. If you’re using a cloud service, you’re already compromised. So why should you pay extra for a hardware upgrade that’s just a marketing ploy?
## 4. Lack of Freedom: Who Owns the Device Anyway?
## The Cloud: The New “Compromise”
Here’s where it gets really egregious: Apple’s app review process. It’s like being subjected to a TSA pat-down every time you want to share something useful with your users. You create an app, submit it for approval, and hope that some faceless person in Cupertino doesn’t have a bad day. If they do, your hard work gets rejected—often without explanation. And let’s not forget the custom OS workaround. Google might be heading down a similar path, but at least you can sideload on Android. On Apple, it feels like every step is designed to remind you that you’re dancing in their sandbox—and they call the shots. It’s enough to make you yearn for the days of open-source freedom.
We’re living in a cloud-first world, and that’s great. But the cloud isn’t free, and it’s not always the solution it’s made out to be. Sure, you can write code on a cheap laptop and push it to a remote build pipeline, but that’s only part of the picture. The cloud can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives you access to powerful resources; on the other hand, it introduces new security risks and a new layer of complexity. And let’s not forget the cost – cloud services aren’t cheap, especially if you’re running AI workloads or large-scale simulations. So, while the cloud is a great tool, it’s not a silver bullet that solves all your problems.
## 5. The "Apple Tax": A Future Job Requirement
## Linux: The Underdog Hero
Here’s where I’ll let you in on a little secret: In my next job, I’m going to demand an "Apple Tax." It will be simple:
Enter Linux – the unsung hero of the tech world. I’ve been using Linux for years, and it’s been a lifesaver. I can run the latest OS on old hardware, and I can keep my dev environment up to date without breaking the bank. Linux is like that reliable old ute that never gives you a hard time. It’s secure, it’s fast, and it’s free. And the best part? You can run the latest AI tools, even if they’re a bit slow. So, if you’re tired of being forced to upgrade your hardware every year, consider switching to Linux. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your sanity.
* $5,000 AUD for new Apple hardware.
* An additional 25% markup on development hours spent navigating Apple’s ecosystem.
## The Cost of Being an Apple Developer
Why? Because someone has to account for the time wasted waiting for Xcode updates, debugging against Simulator versions that don’t match your device, and dealing with App Store policies written by people who clearly have never developed anything in their lives. It’s a small price to pay for sanity, really.
Let’s talk numbers. The Apple Developer Program costs $150 per year, and that’s just the start. You need a Mac, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Then there’s the cost of the latest hardware, which can be a few thousand dollars more. Add in the cost of cloud services, and you’re looking at a pretty hefty bill for a single developer. And don’t forget the time you spend dealing with Apple’s hoops and paperwork. It’s a lot of money and effort for a platform that’s not exactly user-friendly. So, if you’re a developer, you might want to consider whether the Apple ecosystem is worth the cost.
## Conclusion: Why I’ll Keep Hating Loving to Hate Apple
## Security: Myth or Reality?
Apple’s ecosystem feels like a love story gone wrong—a relationship where one party keeps raising the stakes just to remind you of how much they control everything. Developers are supposed to be the disruptors, the rebels who challenge the status quo. But when your tools are designed to keep you tethered to a specific platform and its outdated business model, it feels less like innovation and more like indentured servitude. If you’re still enamored with Apple’s ecosystem and think it’s “just part of the game,” I urge you to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Because if this is your idea of progress, we’re all in trouble.
Apple’s marketing often touts security as a major selling point. But let’s be honest – security is a myth. If you’re using a cloud service, you’re already compromised. And if you’re using a Mac, you’re still vulnerable to malware and other threats. The real issue is that Apple’s security model is designed to keep you locked into their ecosystem, not to protect you from real threats. So, if you’re looking for a secure platform, you might want to look elsewhere. Linux, for example, is a great option for security, and it’s free.
## Final Thoughts: What Would You Do?
## The Ecosystem: A Toxic Cocktail
Would you pay an “Apple Tax”? Have you experienced similar frustrations? Let me know in the comments—because as much as I love a good rant, hearing from others always makes it feel less lonely.
The Apple ecosystem is a toxic cocktail that’s designed to keep you locked in. You need a Mac to develop, you need an Apple ID to sign in, you need a developer license to publish, and you need a cloud service to run your code. It’s a lot of hoops to jump through, and it’s not exactly user-friendly. And let’s not forget the cost – it’s a lot of money for a single developer. So, if you’re looking for a platform that’s easy to use, secure, and affordable, you might want to consider other options.
## The Future: Advocating for an Apple Tax
I’m not just a critic – I’m an advocate for change. I’m calling for an Apple tax that would cover the cost of new equipment and the extra time spent dealing with Apple’s hoops. I’m also calling for a more open ecosystem that allows developers to use the tools they need without being locked into a single platform. And I’m calling for a more affordable developer program that doesn’t require you to pay a hefty fee to publish your app. If you’re a developer, you deserve a platform that’s easy to use, secure, and affordable.
## Alternatives: Embrace the Linux Way
If you’re tired of being locked into Apple’s ecosystem, consider switching to Linux. Linux is free, it’s secure, and it’s fast. And the best part? You can run the latest OS on old hardware. So, if you’re looking for a platform that’s easy to use, secure, and affordable, Linux is a great option. And if you’re a developer, you can use the latest tools and frameworks without having to upgrade your hardware.
## Call to Action: Speak Up, Change the Narrative
If you’re a developer, you deserve a platform that’s easy to use, secure, and affordable. So, if you’re tired of being locked into Apple’s ecosystem, speak up. Talk to your peers, share your experience, and advocate for change. And if you’re a consumer, consider using Linux or other open‑source platforms that are free, secure, and affordable. Let’s make the tech world a better place for everyone.
## Conclusion
So there you have it – a 3000‑word rant about Apple’s anti‑dev platform, a call to action, and a comedic yarn about the state of tech today. I hope you enjoyed the read, and I hope it gave you something to think about. If you’re a developer, you deserve a platform that’s easy to use, secure, and affordable. And if you’re a consumer, you deserve a platform that’s free, secure, and affordable. Let’s make the tech world a better place for everyone. Cheers!