$100 to Switch

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How a simple App Store or Google Play promotion would lead to switchers.

I have a small obsession.

While reviewing the HTC U11, I felt an urge to switch. It was the strongest I’ve ever felt it. In fact, my friend who also recently got the HTC U11 did just that, he switched to Android because of it. So why didn’t I? I’m an Android developer, it would certainly make things easier if I used the platform I develop on every day. Why not leave stuffy, cramped, Face ID-land and switch over to Android?

The apps.

iOS apps are superior to their Android counterparts. They’re also more secure. Plus, fantastic games like Alto’s Odessey get released on iOS long before they go to Android, and once they get there, they’re not the same anymore. The app ecosystem, more than even first party iOS features like iMessage, keep me in iOS.

I’m a heavy app user. I probably have spent hundreds of dollars on iOS apps over the last decade. Still, not all of those are apps I currently need. I’d estimate that a small amount of credit on the Google Play store could cover all the Android counterparts for my paid iOS apps. While the quality would be a step back, for many, that wouldn’t be a problem. So why isn’t Google doing this?

How Google Would Benefit

The benefit for Google is pretty easy to see. Apps make people feel trapped in iOS, but with just a little Google Play credit, an iOS fan could switch to Android and not have to worry about losing all of their apps. Sure, for the most part, the apps aren’t as good, have security flaws, and are more often ad supported or require micro transactions. They’re also just designed differently, with some positive aspects, like the Android back button and split screen, as well as negative aspects, like smaller interface controls in harder to reach places. Still, if someone’s willing to sacrifice a few apps, as well as app quality, to switch, the idea that their apps will be free will be a huge motivator. Maybe they’ll even find new favorite apps to love.

How Apple Would Benefit

Like honey traps a fly, so too would an App Store promotion trap wayward Android users. They may decide they’re willing to sacrifice customizability, a layered interface, widgets, third party browsers, default apps, faster charging, and fingerprint sensors, but those apps are what will keep them inside the walled garden. Sure, Android users will know that there’s a beautiful world outside of the garden, but thanks to superior apps, they might not want to leave it.

Give me Free Apps

Ok, so maybe it sounds like I’m just begging Apple or Google to give me some free apps. Really, I’m not. I pay for apps all the time. As a software developer myself, I see the importance of paying developers for their work. I get hungry, and, let’s face it, I’ve got a bar tab to cover, so I hope people keep paying for apps and services on their smartphones! I happened to realized while testing my wonderful HTC U11 that I might be happier on Android, but I’m tied down by the apps I’ve come to rely on for iOS. A promotion might be able to rescue me.

Although, as t turns out, having blue text bubbles might be better for my dating life, and I could use all the help I can get. Guess I’ll have to stick with iOS a little longer.