Discovering the allure of iPhones after being a dedicated Android user for years has been a surprising journey. Previously skeptical of Apple’s offerings compared to competitors like Samsung and Google, testing the iPhone 17 has led to a change of heart. The seamless software experience, impressive hardware, and competitive pricing have all played a role in reshaping my perspective on Apple’s flagship device.
Many of my acquaintances and relatives swear by iPhones, and I used to scoff at the hefty price tags, especially considering Apple’s lag in certain areas compared to Google. From the absence of a weather app on the iPad until 2022 to the delayed introduction of features already long-established on Google Maps, I believed other brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus offered better value and superior features.
Despite Apple’s ongoing efforts to catch up in the tech race, such as the anticipated release of the first folding iPhone in 2026, seven years after Samsung’s foldable debut, I remained skeptical of the brand’s premium pricing for what I perceived as incremental improvements.
However, as the smartphone market evolves with escalating prices and tariffs, I found that Android phones in the same tier no longer necessarily offer better value. Testing the iPhone 17 has forced me to reconsider my stance against Apple, highlighting the reasons why this device has compelled me to eat a humble pie.
Considering the iPhone 17 as my new daily driver is a surprising shift for a long-time Android user like me
Apple’s user-friendly software interface
Despite my initial reservations, I found the iPhone’s simple software design to be remarkably intuitive and visually appealing. Features like Dynamic Island and the App Library’s organization system streamlined my user experience, eliminating the need for extensive customization typically required on Android devices.
The Apple Journal app, with its scheduling capabilities, writing streak incentives, and seamless integration with multimedia content, impressed me. While alternatives like the Pixel Journal app exist for Pixel users, finding a similar replacement on my OnePlus device proved challenging.
Apple’s AI-driven voicemail summaries were particularly noteworthy, providing accurate transcriptions of missed calls and essential information without requiring manual intervention—a feature that stood out in a busy schedule.
Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry
