

535: State of the Platform: Apple Services
May 10, 2020
Apple's shift from hardware to a thriving service model is put under the microscope. The evolution of iCloud, from its troubled beginnings as MobileMe to its current status, showcases personal connections and challenges users face. The hosts dissect Apple's various subscription offerings like Apple Music and TV+, debating their competitiveness and potential improvements. Frustrations with iCloud troubleshooting are shared, alongside the seamless experience of syncing Safari tabs. Evaluating Apple's service performance reveals a mixed bag of successes and areas for growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early iCloud Struggles
- David Sparks's first experience with Apple's early cloud services was disappointing.
- A simple text file took four hours to sync, highlighting Apple's initial struggles with cloud technology.
.Mac Memories
- Stephen Hackett fondly recalls joining Apple's services with .Mac, even hosting a personal website through iDesk.
- This early service allowed users to host basic websites and share files, foreshadowing later cloud services.
iCloud Evaluation
- Avoid generalizing iCloud performance; evaluate specific services like Drive, Backup, or Contact Sync individually.
- Each service operates differently, so judging iCloud as a whole is inaccurate.