A Black Hole: The Apple Ecosystem

It would be fair to say that many companies develop their ecosystems within their digital products. One of the most commonly recognized ones is The Apple Ecosystem. With a broad assortment of products, it becomes relatively easy and increasingly tempting to take part in this. I must admit to having become a consumer of their digital ecosystem, changing my digital practices to include multiple products offered by Apple. The synchronization between the devices and iCloud offered by Apple makes it more convenient for devices to connect and transfer data with one another. It is extremely convenient to continuously add products to your digital practice, as it may appear as if it will simplify and add streamlined experience to one’s digital experience.

On Saturday morning, I woke up to my Apple watch alarm at 7 am. I turned it off, checked through my iPhone notifications, and answered messages. I got ready, grabbed my AirPods which automatically connected to my iPhone, and decided to go for a run. My Apple watch tracked all the data from my workout (as seen in the image to the right). During the workout, I can control my music and check my data through my Apple Watch. This data automatically synchronizes to my iPhone. For this early in the morning, I have already used multiple facets of the Apple Ecosystem. Later on, when I started to write this blog post, I used my MacBook to open the website and decided to AirDrop the screenshot of my run from my iPhone. My friend and I hung out after, sharing digital art we made on an iPad with an Apple pencil while catching up with one another. We both went our separate ways, and as soon as she got home I was notified thanks to the FindMy app, in which we can view one another’s location and set up notifications.

Before becoming an active consumer of the Apple Ecosystem, an average day in my life was much simpler than this. I would wake up to an alarm clock. I would take notes on paper with pens as opposed to on my iPad with my Apple pencil. I would go run, or workout, without worrying about the data behind it because I would have no means to track it. Listening to music on the go was not possible unless it was through a radio. I would not receive notifications, but I’d find out information from meeting up with my friends.

The positive benefits of an Apple Ecosystem are definitely appealing to the general public. With improved safety features and data tracking it helps individuals have a clearer insight into their own lives and their loved ones. The features offered such as iCloud and AirDrop simplify sharing data and make one’s work easier to do, and share with others. Convenience is a large reason as to why such digital ecosystems become so successful.

Although it may be marketed as positive added benefits that are being offered, one must be aware of the dangers that come with an ecosystem such as this one. For example, when using my Apple watch, I focus on closing all my exercise rings on a daily basis (as seen in the image to the right). I notice that this is a part of a larger societal development as Apple allows you to add friends, and even compete with one another. This can, as a result, become extremely competitive and affect one’s mental health. It is worth noting that this ecosystem also thrives on other individuals being a part of the ecosystem. Just like a black hole, Apple has a successful way to suck you, and many others in.

One must ask the question if they take place in a digital ecosystem and if the added benefits contribute to an improved quality of life. It is crucial to keep mental health in mind when considering the features offered by these technologies. Companies such as Apple are booming and to continue to do so, they must introduce new technologies to keep their customers invested in what they have to offer.