There’s A Worm In My Apple

When we think about Apple, we think technology. We think of beautifully designed iPhones, iPads, MacBook Pros, and even iPods.  Apple also has innovative services such as iTunes, Apple pay, Apple TV, and iCloud.   All of these products and services integrated under the umbrella of Apple, Inc.   In this technology-hungry, information-thirsty global world in which we live, Apple satisfies this all-consuming appetite for information with its masterfully designed products.  There’s only one problem.  There’s a worm in my Apple. 

They also have created an ever-changing money consuming need for updated accessories.  It’s not the accessories that are added to the device.  These are the accessories required for the device to operate. 

Last month, in preparation for my one-week vacation, I decided to upgrade and buy a new iPad Pro 12.5” screen.  I was expecting this $1,000 investment to make the journey across the country more pleasant.  I got home, opened the box, grabbed by older model headphones, only to find the adapter no longer fit.  I ran back to the Apple store to get some new headphones, which cost $200.00.  Now, I probably could’ve found some less expensive headphones, but I was in a hurry. 

Thirteen days later, I returned from my trip and was charging my iPhone, only to find my phone was not charging.  The engineer in me began to troubleshoot.  First, I got another cord and tested the plug.  Then I got another plug and checked the cable.  Nothing worked.  Perplexed and bewildered, I was trying to understand how could a cord that worked just this morning, no longer worked.  This is not uncommon because just about all of us have experienced this before.  

What’s happening here?  Why are we continually purchasing Apple product accessories?  Why would a trillion-dollar company nickel and dime their customers?  Are the accessories poorly designed?  Why does Apple redesign products and require customers to purchase new accessories?  Are they merely looking to extort those of us who are hooked on their products?

Back in 2009, Tim Cook set the vision for Apple, which states, “We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products, and that’s not changing.”  I am hooked.  I cannot change.  Here’s my plea to Apple. You have made a trillion-dollars making beautiful products.  Please get the worm out of my Apple!