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Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

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Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#1

Post by snrji »

I've been a "Google" guy since I started using the Internet. Gmail, Android, Drive and Google Photos. I even have a G Suite account (the legacy, free one).

However, I'm frustrated with some problems that I have had and specifically the fact that it was absolutely impossible to reach anyone. Also, I have read some horror stories about losing data and other problems.

So, my question is: if I migrate from Google to Apple (phone, photos...), which I don't know exactly what's the best way to do it and it will be painful, will I be able to talk to a human from Apple support? Assuming I would buy an iPhone and even pay for an iCloud subscription.

"Apple guys" from HN, if you have a problem with iCloud, for instance, can you easily talk to a human? What's your experience?

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#3

Post by mtmail »

I had a problem with buying an iOS app after switching to a new computer, the credit card was put on hold, and I called Apple support. Super friendly, they waited patiently until I reentered all information to make sure it worked before ending the call.

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#4

Post by duiker101 »

You will be able to go to a Genius bar and get your support. If that's what you are after, the answer should be yes. But I would advise against it. You will move from one gated garden to another. You are right, breaking out from Google is very hard and painful, but I would argue breaking out of Apple might be even harder.

A while ago I started having the same worry about Google and started to cut them out. I began with email and moved to FastMail with my own domain, then I moved my drive and Photos (currently on DropBox) and then all other things (Apps/contacts/calendars)

Admittedly, it's more expensive, but each component is now separate and if something goes wrong I don't risk losing everything in one go.

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#5

Post by Tomte »

duiker101 wrote: post #4

You will be able to go to a Genius bar and get your support. If that's what you are after, the answer should be yes. But I would advise against it. You will move from one gated garden to another. You are right, breaking out from Google is very hard and painful, but I would argue breaking out of Apple might be even harder. A while ago I started having the same worry about Google and started to cut them out. I began wi…

I'm on Fastmail with my own domain(s), my photos and files are mostly local, with a backup on iCloud and on OneDrive and I'm using an iPhone and an iPad. I also have an iCloud subscription.

Why would an Apple device stop anyone from doing what you just outlined?

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#7

Post by duiker101 »

Tomte wrote: post #5
duiker101 wrote: post #4

You will be able to go to a Genius bar and get your support. If that's what you are after, the answer should be yes. But I would advise against it. You will move from one gated garden to another. You are right, breaking out from Google is very hard and painful, but I would argue breaking out of Apple might be even harder. A while ago I started having the same worry about Google and started to cut them out. I began wi…

I'm on Fastmail with my own domain(s), my photos and files are mostly local, with a backup on iCloud and on OneDrive and I'm using an iPhone and an iPad. I also have an iCloud subscription. Why would an Apple device stop anyone from doing what you just outlined?

Nothing, but that's not what OP asked for. He seems to be wanting to move everything to Apple, not OneDrive, not Fastmail etc... my comment was about moving out of being all-in with Apple. Google's takeout service is okish, but I am not aware of similar services on Apple and there is a even stronger tie between services and devices with Apple, which makes it also more expensive to want to move away from it.

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#8

Post by snrji »

duiker101 wrote: post #7
Tomte wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm on Fastmail with my own domain(s), my photos and files are mostly local, with a backup on iCloud and on OneDrive and I'm using an iPhone and an iPad. I also have an iCloud subscription. Why would an Apple device stop anyone from doing what you just outlined?

Nothing, but that's not what OP asked for. He seems to be wanting to move everything to Apple, not OneDrive, not Fastmail etc... my comment was about moving out of being all-in with Apple. Google's takeout service is okish, but I am not aware of similar services on Apple and there is a even stronger tie between services and devices with Apple, which makes it also more expensive to want to move away from it.

I see, thanks for warning me.

Re: Ask HN: Will I be able to talk to a human if I move from Google to Apple?

#10

Post by PopeDotNinja »

In case you don't know, if you are a premium Google customer paying for a service, you can talk to someone. I've had a couple of times where I needed support and was able to speak with a person. I don't know if those options exist for free tier customers.
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