# My Unexpected Journey to Embracing Apple Products
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Introduction: A Surprising Change of Heart
As I settled into the couch, I unwrapped my brand-new iPhone from its immaculate white packaging.
"Didn’t you used to despise Apple?" my younger sister's voice pierced the air, full of curiosity. She had a point; there was a time when I would have avoided any Apple device at all costs. However, over time, my perspective shifted dramatically.
My initial encounter with Apple, much like many others, began with an iPod. Specifically, it was a 4th generation iPod Touch, which I purchased using birthday money back in 2012. I became engrossed in games like Angry Birds and Temple Run, developed an obsession with Instagram, and was amazed by its sleekness compared to my bulky HTC phone. It not only allowed me to enjoy my favorite artists but also introduced me to new ones. I distinctly recall downloading music for a 2013 trip to London and stumbling upon a track by the then-upcoming band, Twenty One Pilots. That "free track of the week" from the iTunes store felt like a miracle to me, as I was a broke student and a self-proclaimed music enthusiast. To this day, I still listen to them.
The Design That Captivated Me
It's impossible to discuss my old iPod without mentioning its design. I adored it. The highly scratch-prone, almost reflective metal surface (even though the colorful 5th generation was available when I bought mine, I couldn’t bring myself to spend the extra money on it). The original iOS design was a masterpiece of skeuomorphism, appearing far cleaner and faster than the clunky Sense interface on my HTC. Despite my initial infatuation, I gradually became distracted by other Android and Windows phones, frequently switching devices—often due to breakage—and my interest in my iPod waned. I still remember the embarrassment of its ballooned battery when I finally took it to the Apple Store for a reset after it had been gathering dust in my closet for three or four years.
Transitioning Carriers: A New Chapter
Even switching carriers didn't entice me to buy an iPhone. I opted for a Samsung as my last Android device and was determined to maintain my anti-Apple stance indefinitely. However, after my phone was damaged during an SAT exam (a long story for another time), I decided to give Apple another shot. I picked up a two-year-old iPhone 7 and was instantly captivated. From a distance, I had observed the significant changes since iOS 7, but it wasn’t until I used them daily that I truly grasped their value. Apple Pay was a game-changer for someone like me who often forgot cash or cards and disliked carrying heavy change. Plus, I appreciated having earphones that fit well, even if I was less impressed with the quality of the lightning-to-3.5mm adapters.
That iPhone 7 accompanied me through some of my most cherished memories. It kept me connected with my first serious relationship, from my nerve-wracking first FaceTime call to the eventual breakup. In Austria, it endured both scorching heat and freezing cold, capturing the joy of attending a live Panic! at the Disco concert (still one of the best nights of my life). It was with me through my first job and saw me transition from school to community college.
The Real Appeal of Apple
I began to see the true allure of the Apple brand: everything simply worked. It was amusing (and somewhat frustrating) to watch my parents struggle with our printer while my iPhone printed documents effortlessly on the first try. Touch ID surpassed any fingerprint scanner I had previously used, and I finally had access to a decent front camera.
When my iPhone 7 eventually ceased to function in February 2021, I resolved not only to remain with Apple but to dive deeper into their ecosystem. I ordered an iPhone 12 mini in green, appreciating how well it matched my wardrobe and complemented the greys and yellows in my bedroom. I took advantage of the free trials offered with my new phone to explore Apple TV+, Arcade, and Apple News+. The latter piqued my interest, as it provided access to both back issues and new editions of my favorite magazines at a significantly lower cost than buying them individually (not to mention the convenience of not having to rely on my local convenience store to stock my niche choices).
Looking Ahead: What's Next with Apple?
As for my future plans with Apple? I'm currently improvising a fit test for an Apple Watch, given that my nearest store is only offering Genius services. I’m considering continuing my color scheme with the California Poppy leather loop band, which looks quite appealing.