What is an Ecosystem?
According to google, an ecosystem is a biological community of different organisms which interact with one another and also interact with their physical environment.
In the tech world, it can be said to be a complex network of interconnected systems or interacting objects.
What is the Apple Ecosystem?
The Apple Ecosystem is not one of Apple’s physical products that you can buy from one of Apple’s stores. It is a term that is used to describe Apple Inc’s digital products and services like the iPhone, iPad, iWatch, Mac, iPod, AirPods, HomePod, iMac, Apples TV, Apple ID, iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple Music, etc. The tech industry refers to it as a “walled garden”.
It is a term that talks about how Apple devices work well with one another. It has to do with the user and lifestyle experiences which comes as a result of owning and using different Apple devices.
- It is the ability of:
taking a picture with your iPhone and it popping up on your Mac moments later, - copying a word from iPhone and paste it on Mac,
- ApplePay working seamlessly on your watch, your phone or Mac,
- handing over music you were playing on iPhone to HomePod by just bringing them close,
- easily discovering devices and transferring large files to Airdrop,
- a single Apple ID acting as an identifier for all your Apple devices and so much more.
The list is endless. There is just so much to the Apple ecosystem.
At WWDC 2021, Apple showcased new features and updates for the upcoming iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS and macOSB which was scheduled to be released by fall 2021. Since then, the number of unification in Apple’s Ecosystem has gone on a new level entirely.
The Apple Ecosystem is possible because Apple does not create a single device. They design their products around the ecosystem which makes it possible to link all these devices together.
The good thing about all Apple products and services is that they all work together. They are simple to use and harmonious with a top-notch user experience. It is one of the things that only Apple does so well that other companies have been unsuccessful with.
Before 2012 notes were part of macOS mail app which is synchronized with the iOS Notes app but doesn’t really work together. Then they released Mountain Lion which separates Notes and Remainder while iChat was changed to Messages which are the first seeds of the Apple Ecosystem.
Since then, iOS, iPadOS and macOS have similar applications like FaceTime, Safari, Weather which can synchronize tabs between devices. By making all the devices to have the same applications it makes it easy for all devices to work almost the same way.
Their ecosystem traps you in it and forces you to stay within it. It doesn’t function with non-Apple devices like the Android devices or Microsoft. It isn’t easy to switch from the ecosystem once users have immersed themselves into it because it is designed to keep users from leaving the system. They slowly pull users into a world of so many Apple products and before you know it you are trapped in it because of how well it works and don’t ever want to go back.
Apple ID
The backbone of the Apple Ecosystem is the Apple ID. The Apple ID is used to register all your Apple devices.
It is used for both the Apple products and services ranging from logging into iCloud to making purchases to getting support to track your lost Apple devices with Find My iPhone. It is how Apple knows what type of Apple products you have and provides you with all the services between those devices.
Apple ID authenticates your identity and it is required when you log into an Apple device so as to keep everything synced up. It is also used to sign in to all Apple services like iCloud, Apple TV, iTunes, etc.
Once you sign in to the Apple ID, everything would be tied to your iCloud account which is Apple’s cloud service. Apple made iCloud as the backbone of the ecosystem. The data that the app uses is stored in iCloud. With iCloud data syncing, you can continue from where you left off from one device to another. This feature is called Continuity and it enables a seamless interaction between devices.
There are also paid services that Apple provides like Music, Apple TV, Fitness+, etc which are available on most devices. Users can pay a single monthly fee and all your other devices can have this service.
Features Of The Apple Ecosystem
There are a set of features that the Apple Ecosystem enables. The iCloud connects most Apple common apps which allows users to synchronize between devices.
Continuity
It is the most remarkable feature of the Apple Ecosystem. Continuity was introduced during WWDC 2014 alongside the preview of the iOS 8 and macOS Yosemite. It can be said to be the first public display of the Apple Ecosystem.
Features of Continuity
Handoff
It is possible to work on one device and switch to another device and continue from where you stopped on a supported app. An example is when you write a note on the iPhone you can continue what you are writing on the Mac.
Auto Unlock
It is possible to use Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone so you don’t have to take off your sunglasses to use your Face ID to unlock. You can as well use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac so you don’t have to enter your password or Touch ID on the keyboard.
Universal Clipboard
It is possible to copy content on one Apple device and still get that copied content on another Apple device. An example is when you copy a text on the iPhone and paste it on Mac.
AirDrop
It is possible to transfer files from one Apple device to another nearby Apple device as long as they are in the same network or are nearby. You can use AirDrop on iPhone, iPad or Mac to send pictures to other users conveniently.
Phone Calls
It is possible to pick your calls that ring on your iPhone from your nearby devices like your iPad or MacBook.
Continuity Camera
It is possible to take a picture or scan a document on your iPhone and it would automatically appear on your MacBook.
Instant Hotspot
It is possible for you to share your data connection with your other Apple Devices using Wi-Fi and it won’t require a password.
Continuity Markup and Sketch
With the continuity markup, you can sign documents, correct papers or mark important details in images using your Apple Pencil on your iPad or your finger on your iPhone and see the live updates on your Mac.
With the Continuity Sketch, you can create a sketch on your iPhone on iPad and it would automatically insert it into any document on your Mac.
Sidecar
With sidecar your iPad can serve as your second screen on your Mac. You can use this feature wired or wirelessly i.e you can set it up and use it wherever you are. It is a good way to turn your MacBook into a multi-monitor workstation you can take anyway. It helps boost your workflow .
Apple Pay
It is possible for you to shop online and complete the payment on your iPhone or your Apple Watch.
There are still other Apple Ecosystem features between the Apple devices that makes things easy.
Universal Control
This allows you to control your Macs and iPads that are near you. Not only your devices alone but also recognize that of your friends.
You can use your iPhone as your Apple TV remote.
iMessage
It makes it possible for your messages to be available on all your Apple devices. It also allows people who are in the ecosystem to also enjoy good features like video calling, messages who come in text, audio or video and you can all watch the same thing using SharePlay.
SharePlay
The ecosystem allows you to chat with friends on iPhone and allows you to play a shared video from a group on Apple TV.
Family Sharing
It is possible to share subscriptions like Apple TV and also pictures and location services on a family subscription.
Success Story of the Apple Ecosystem
The major reason why the Apple Ecosystem is greater than its competitors is because it has covered every area. The Apple Ecosystem not only controls the software but also the hardware. With the introduction of the M1 chips, the hardware platform is now the same on all Apple devices from the AirPods to the iMac. As a result of the devices having the same hardware Architecture, the experience is the same which other companies don’t have.
Microsoft can still struggle with Apple on the desktop part and Google on the mobile and tablet part. But Apple has a way of providing destiny, mobile, table and TV interfaces. As a result of the variety of platforms, Apple streamlined all the platform looks and feel.
The success secret of the Apple Ecosystem is that Apple sells experience in their products and services. This is possible as a result of the established and streamlined range of hardware, software and services. Apple is able to put user experience as the core when developing any product.
Conclusion
The Apple Ecosystem is indeed a unique experience you will enjoy when you have all Apple devices ranging from the iPhone to the iMac, iPad, iWatch and AirPod. They can be linked to one another and allow users to enjoy a tailor-made experience.