So, are Apple operating systems actually considerably better in terms of privacy? I’ve been considering making the switch for both privacy and security reasons, but I’m not really sure it’s worth the cost and hassle. I’m currently on an iPhone (recently switched because I had a Pixel 7 with… issues, but that’s longer story) and I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it to fully switch over to the Apple ecosystem.

  • If you want to switch anyway, why not graphene/calyxos with Ubuntu/mint/pop/fedora? They work on your current device, and much more private than iOS + macOS

    I think graphene should be relatively painless, especially with sandboxed Google play. The only thing don’t work is probably auto and pay. Calyxos is kind of the same story.

    Linux distro has been working really well for me (I switched to windows from Linux at the end of college, and switch back to Linux again last year). The only thing that doesn’t work is office and other industrial software. If you don’t use Microsoft office extensively, then liberal office is a okay replacement. Only office is also very solid, but it is Russian software with few outside developers, so many people don’t really trust it.

    • I actually tried Graphene on my Pixel 7. To be honest, it gave up a bit too much for me. While I’d call myself an enthusiast, I generally want my phone to function without too much fuss or hassle. It was a pain trying to get different apps and notifications working properly in GrapheneOS, and I used Android Auto/CarPlay on a daily basis. It’s a great project, just not for me. I also got rid of the Pixel 7 as I was having non-OS related issues with it. As for the desktop/laptop, I actually just installed Nobara yesterday, as my win11 install decided to grenade itself. I’m definitely considering keeping it permanently, but time will tell as I game on my PC, and obviously that can be a bit difficult (though it’s getting easier with Proton and other supporting software).

      • Yeah Proton and linux gaming will only get better over time. Valve is heavily invested in getting this really good. And regarding the Android experience, I can only tell you that Google keeps trying to cripple the non Google experience even further. They just tried getting rid of Aurora Store and thus of getting Play Store apps without the Play Store. I just hope Aurora can keep operating just as it did until now.

        • Wow, I wasn’t aware of the Google stuff. Can’t say it’s terribly surprising though. Have you used any of the Proton suite? I’ve been considering switching to them from Gmail and OneDrive.

          • I think the proton he refers to is the proton compatibility layer developed by valve.

            But I personally haven’t switched to protonmail because they require Google to work on Android, which is surprising for a privacy company. On the other hand, Megasync also requires Google to work.

            Tutanota don’t, but I cannot use them in thunderbird.

          • Yes, ProtonMail is really good, I just missed the desktop bridge. It is a reality now but it’s not part of the free tier. I can’t really complain about them except for the icon design. They do not feel at home on iOS haha
            I just have to confess I still use my outlook mail as my main because there is so much legacy stuff connected to it like Xbox games, Minecraft, two movies,… But I use Anon Addy to alias it most of the time. That’s why I can’t really give you a better impression about the Proton suite