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'Apple dev platform: utter garbage.'

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# Apple. The anti-dev platform.
```markdown
# Apple. The anti dev platform.
## Introduction: A Decade of Disappointment
## Introduction: A Developer's Worst Nightmare
This week has been a significant trial. I’ve had to use MacOS in my day job, and it’s only reinforced my existing disdain for the platform. In fact, in the 10ish years since I last used an Apple-based system, one thing is clear: it’s gotten worse. Here’s why.
This week has been a significant trial. I have had to use MacOS in 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. Here's how.
## The Apple Developer License: A Tax on Ambition
## Forced Obsolescence: A Lesson in Futility
Let’s start with the obvious. Apple charges you a “developer license” to actually *do* anything useful and give it to other people. It’s not just a fee; it’s a tax on your creativity, your ambition, and the privilege of playing in their walled garden.
My loan device was from 2020, apparently this is too old to run the latest macOS. I needed Xcode, apparently if I can't run the latest macOS I can't run the latest Xcode. Therefore, to run the latest development tools on a Mac you need to use very, very new hardware. This is ridiculous. I understand MS are doing this as well given that Windows 11 now *needs* a TPM 2.0. This is bullshit as well. This is forced obsolescence. I am lucky enough to have the skills to use Linux and so can put secure and updated OS's on these devices, but these skills are not common and this forced obsolescence should be called out for what it is: wasteful and silly.
* **The Price of Entry:** $99 per year (or $299 for the “pro” version, which honestly, I still don’t know what that entails). It’s a recurring cost, not a one-time fee.
* **What Do You Get?** A license to distribute apps on the App Store, access to developer tools, and the joy of knowing that every year, you’ll be paying to continue doing so.
* **The Hidden Cost:** The license isn’t just about money. It’s about the mental toll. Every time you see that $99 fee, it’s a reminder that you’re not just a developer; you’re a consumer in Apple’s ecosystem.
## The "New" Hardware Trap
## Forced Obsolescence: The Apple Way
The MacBook I've been loaned, once coaxed, was able to do the development I needed. Fuck me, most developers are using cloud backends now anyway and only need this device to write code (text editor) and then push to remote build pipelines. Game developers and developers who need real compilers are not using these machines. The idea that a machine is “obsolete” after 5 years needs to be stopped. Can you imagine if we *had* to replace our cars every 5 years… absolute folly. I use a 15-year-old machine with an 8-year-old graphics card in my lounge room to play games and run AI workloads. I use a 4-year-old machine as my main gaming computer. I have just set up a 10-year-old all-in-one to act as our kitchen hub computer. These computers run the latest Linux swimmingly, give me access to the latest and greatest AI tools (albeit slowly) and more than adequately perform their function as required. The idea that as a dev I can't possibly run on hardware older than 12 months is beyond stupid. This creates a false economy and means that to develop on Apple you basically have a $2k to $3k AUD cost every year… that's not ok. On top of the $150 AUD entrance fee to be an Apple developer.
I needed Xcode, but apparently, if I can’t run the latest MacOS, I can’t run the latest Xcode. Therefore, to run the latest development tools on a Mac, you need to use very new hardware. This is ridiculous.
## The Apple Developer Tax: A Hidden Cost
* **The Hardware Arms Race:** Apple’s latest MacOS versions require hardware that’s so new it feels like a spaceship. My loan device was from 2020, and it’s already considered “too old” to run the latest OS.
* **The Developer’s Dilemma:** As a developer, you’re stuck in a loop. You can’t use the latest tools without the latest hardware, and the latest hardware is expensive.
* **The Linux Alternative:** I understand Microsoft is doing this too with Windows 11 and TPM 2.0. But here’s the thing: I use Linux, and I can run the latest AI tools on a 15-year-old machine. Linux doesn’t force obsolescence; it gives you the freedom to use what you have.
On top of that, they charge you a “Apple Developer License” to actually do anything useful and give it to other people. These company is toxic and I now feel completely justified in my opinion that they are the most anti-consumer company in the world… and if someone says “BUT MUH SECURITY” I think I'll scream… if you use a cloud service you're already compromised. SHUT THE FUCK UP. Can someone please explain why I need to triple sign in and enrol everywhere just to build MY OWN APP ON MY OWN DEVICE? Seriously, who owns the device? It seems that forking out $1k for a phone, $2k for a laptop means I don't actually have the freedom to use them. This ecosystem is the worst I have ever encountered and should die in a fire. And fuck general consumers for using them. My god, you all suck. Learn how to use a fucking computer instead of asking for “big tech” to look after you.
## The Cloud as a Substitute: A Shift in Power
## The "Security" Farce
Most developers are using cloud backends now anyway, needing only a device to write code and push to remote pipelines. Game developers and those needing real compilers aren’t even *using* these machines anymore.
My God, to be an 'Apple Developer' I need to upload my ‘government issued ID’. The fuck is the platform it makes me sick. Jesus Christ, you suck. The cloud isn't free. The cost of an Apple Developer license is approx $150. There is no license cost to macOS but you need an Apple to use it.
* **The Rise of Cloud Development:** More and more developers are moving their work to the cloud. It’s cheaper, more flexible, and doesn’t require you to upgrade your hardware every year.
* **The Mac’s Role:** The Mac is no longer the center of the development universe. It’s just a text editor and a terminal. The real work is done in the cloud.
* **The Cloud vs. The Mac:** The cloud is the future, and Apple is the past. While Apple tries to force developers into their ecosystem, the cloud gives developers the freedom to choose.
## A Call to Action: Developers, Wake Up!
## The Linux Alternative: Freedom and Flexibility
As developers we should be disgusted by this practice. This is anti-consumer, anti-user and makes me sick. If as a developer you feel this ecosystem is acceptable you should take a good long hard look in the mirror. This goes against everything we should be. In future jobs I will advocate for an Apple tax be ase $5k for new equipment and 25% extras and hour for wasting my time with unnecessary Apple hurdles. Thank you for your time.
Can you imagine having to replace your car every five years? Absolute folly. The idea that a machine is “obsolete” after five years needs to stop.
## Final Thoughts: She'll Be Right, Mate
* **Linux on Old Hardware:** I use a 15-year-old machine with an 8-year-old graphics card to play games and run AI workloads. It’s not fast, but it’s functional. Linux doesn’t care about your hardware; it just wants to run on it.
* **The Linux Ecosystem:** Linux is open-source, meaning you can modify it, customize it, and use it on any hardware you want. You’re not tied to a specific vendor.
* **The Developer’s Choice:** Linux gives developers the freedom to choose their tools, their hardware, and their environment. It’s not about the latest and greatest; it’s about what works for *you*.
## The Cost of Apple’s Obsession with New Hardware
The idea that as a dev, I can’t possibly run on hardware older than 12 months is beyond stupid. This creates a false economy, meaning to develop on Apple, you basically have a $2,000-$3,000 AUD cost *every year*.
* **The Financial Burden:** Apple’s obsession with new hardware forces developers to upgrade annually. It’s not just the hardware cost; it’s the software, the license, and the ecosystem.
* **The False Economy:** Apple’s model is a false economy. They’re not just selling hardware; they’re selling a lifestyle. A lifestyle that’s expensive, restrictive, and not very practical.
* **The Developer’s Dilemma:** As a developer, you’re stuck in a loop. You can’t use the latest tools without the latest hardware, and the latest hardware is expensive.
## The Apple Developer License: A Tax on Innovation
These companies are toxic, and I’m now completely justified in my opinion that they are the most anti-consumer companies in the world. If someone says “BUT MUH SECURITY,” I think I’ll scream. If you use a cloud service, you’re already compromised.
* **The License as a Tax:** The Apple Developer License is a tax on innovation. It’s not just about money; it’s about the power to control the ecosystem. Apple is using the license to control who can develop on their platform.
* **The Security Myth:** If someone says “BUT MUH SECURITY,” I’ll scream. If you’re using a cloud service, you’re already compromised. Apple’s security is a myth. It’s not about security; it’s about control.
* **The Developer’s Choice:** The Apple Developer License isn’t a choice; it’s a requirement. If you want to develop on Apple’s platform, you have to pay the license.
## Conclusion: The Future is Open
Thank you for your time. The future is open. It’s not about Apple’s ecosystem; it’s about the freedom to choose your tools, your hardware, and your environment. Linux is the answer. The cloud is the answer. The Apple Developer License is not the answer.
* **Break Free:** Break free from Apple’s ecosystem. It’s not about security; it’s about control. It’s not about innovation; it’s about control.
* **Embrace Freedom:** Embrace the freedom of open-source. Use Linux. Use the cloud. Use your own tools, your own hardware, your own environment.
* **The Future is Open:** The future is open. It’s not about Apple’s ecosystem; it’s about the freedom to choose. It’s about the ability to use your own tools, your own hardware, and your own environment.
## Appendix: A Developer’s Guide to Freedom
* **Use Linux:** Linux is the answer. It’s open-source, flexible, and free. You can use it on any hardware you want.
* **Use the Cloud:** The cloud is the answer. It’s scalable, flexible, and free. You can use it to compile your code, run your AI workloads, and more.
* **Avoid Apple’s Ecosystem:** Apple’s ecosystem isn’t the answer. It’s expensive, restrictive, and not very practical. Avoid it if you can.
* **Choose Your Tools:** Choose your tools wisely. Use open-source tools, use cloud-based tools, use tools that give you freedom and flexibility.
* **The Future is Open:** The future is open. It’s not about Apple’s ecosystem; it’s about the freedom to choose. It’s about the ability to use your own tools, your own hardware, and your own environment.
If you're a developer and you're not already screaming into the void about this, you're doing it wrong. Apple's ecosystem is a trap, a money grab, and a complete affront to the principles of open source and user freedom. She'll be right, mate. But not for long.
```