rosalind's Blog

These days, there’s a huge range of different technology products and brands to choose from. But still, tons of people still can’t seem to get enough of Apple. They don't just buy Apple products, they seem to adore them. Whether it’s because of Apple’s unique style, how easy Apple products are to use, or just the fact that Apple products seem to last longer, when it comes to tech, Apple is king. And it doesn't seem like Apple is going to lose its crown any time soon for these reasons.

1. Apple Products Are Easy to Use

One thing that draws many people to Apple and keeps them coming back is just how easy Apple products are to use. The iPhone has been criticized for not giving its users as many customization options or as much flexibility as Android devices. But what iOS lacks in features, it makes up for in ease of use. Almost all of Apple's cell phone replacement parts products and software are designed in a way that almost anybody can quickly understand. Even Apple's professional grade software like Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X are designed to give industry leaders the flexibility they need, while at the same time not overwhelming amateurs and first-time users. Apple loves to say its products “just work,” and for the most part, that holds true.

2. Apple Products Have Style

Apple has made a name for itself as a premium hardware manufacturer. In part, that's because Apple products often set the bar when it comes to product design. At a time when the cellphone market was dominated by cheap plastic bricks, the original iPhone hit the scene with a beautiful design made of aluminum and glass. Although Apple has often been criticized for making design changes that many people weren’t quite ready for, more often than not, Apple is right. Critics and users alike complained when Apple controversially removed the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, but just a few years later, most modern phones have ditched the headphone jack as well. Even though some critics might call Apple’s design language “form over function,” you can’t deny that Apple has style.

3. Apple Products Last Longer

There’s no question that iPhones and MacBooks are expensive, but they’re built to last. Many people even consider a MacBook to be an investment for the next decade. You won’t find many people using their Windows devices for 10 or more years. And even though Apple releases new iPhones every single year, most people don’t feel the need to constantly upgrade. You can easily find people who are using iPhones and other Apple products they bought years and years ago. Because Apple products are so popular, it can also custom phone case make them easier to find the replacement parts needed if they do break. Even if you’ve got an iPhone that’s a few years old, if you end up cracking your screen, you can probably walk into any phone repair shop and get a new display installed that very same day. You can’t say that for every Android phone.

4. Apple Releases Huge Software Updates Every Year

One of the biggest reasons people love their Apple products is because they can actually get better with time. Every single year Apple drops a new version of iOS, giving iPhone users access to new features and updates free-of-charge. Apple is also great about supporting iPhones for the long haul. The iPhone 6s launched in 2015 running iOS 9, and kept getting software updates until 2021 with iOS 15. That’s seven long years of support. Compare that to Android, where even flagship devices are usually only supported for just a couple Android version upgrades. Just like with the iPhone and iOS, Mac users are also treated to a full macOS upgrade every single year. Not only will you get new OS tweaks, visual changes, and security updates, but you can often find completely new features bundled in. These days Microsoft has also jumped on the trend of free software upgrades, Windows 10 and Windows 11 were launched as free upgrades for some Windows users. That being said, a new version of Windows only launches every few years, and you may or may not be able to get it for free.

5. The Apple Ecosystem Makes Incredible Features Possible

One factor that really separates Apple from the rest of the pack is how well Apple products work together. The iPhone and the MacBook are more than just a phone and a computer, they’re extensions of one another. And that idea of inter-connectivity can be seen across Apple’s entire product range. Every time you take a photo on your iPhone, you’ll quickly see it sync in the Photos app on your other Apple devices. iMessage and FaceTime make it easy to stay connected, and the fact that they work whether you’re on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, make them even easier to use. Because of how connected the Apple ecosystem is, you can gain access to features you just won’t see anywhere else. The Continuity Camera in macOS Ventura lets you use the camera on your iPhone as a wireless webcam for your Mac, without any third-party apps required. And Apple’s Sidecar feature even lets you turn an iPad into a second display for your Mac, completely wirelessly.

Although the Apple ecosystem makes some incredible features possible, it has drawn its fair share of criticism. If you’ve been an Apple user for several years, you probably have built up a library of paid content, apps, and subscriptions across your Apple devices. While you’ve got easy access to all your stuff as long as you’re using an Apple device, if you decide to make the switch to wholesale phone repair parts Android or Windows, you might lose access to your content completely. Leaving the Apple ecosystem is possible, but it's not always easy. Even though it can be hard to escape, as long as you’re in it, there’s no denying that the Apple ecosystem is a beautiful place to be.

6. Apple Products Have Great Resale Value

Apple products aren’t known for being cheap, but they can actually be a good investment. They say one person’s trash is another's treasure. So even though you might be ready to say goodbye to that iPhone you picked up a few years ago, someone else might be ready to say hello to it. iPhones and MacBooks are known for retaining their value much better than a comparable Android phone or Windows laptop. Even older Apple products can still be worth money. News that Apple was finally discontinuing the iPod sent prices soaring on the used market. If you’ve got a first-generation iPod or an original iPhone in mint condition, you could end up parting ways with it for thousands of dollars. There’s even a growing number of vintage Apple product collectors. Decades-old Apple computers can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. If you keep your Apple products around for long enough, they might end up paying for themselves and more.

There’s a Lot to Love About Apple

Apple products might not be the cheapest, but that doesn’t stop millions of people around the world from continuing to choose Apple. Buying Apple means you’re getting a product with a beautiful design and software that’s easy to use, and you can use it for years to come. Apple isn’t perfect, but it makes quality gear that’ll last you for the long haul. Even if you’re not an iPhone user, you can’t deny there’s a lot to love about Apple.

The Right to Repair movement has spread around the world with one simple goal: allow regular users to repair their phones, including the simplest of servicing like replacing an old battery. For years, Apple opposed the idea, instead basically forcing users to go to Apple Stores for those simple repairs, until it all seemingly changed in one fell swoop with the new Apple Self-Service program. The program launched in the US in April with a promise to let customers themselves for the first time ever fix broken screens, batteries, and cameras on iPhones using Apple’s own parts and tools.

It sounded like a big win for the repair movement, but Phone-Part reporter Sean Holister tried it out and came away disillusioned with the unnecessary complexity, excess charges and risk involved in even a simple battery replacement. See, if you opt for traditional iPhone DIY kits from companies like mobile phone repairing parts, you get a tiny package with the necessary screw bits and tools, and it's all a rather simple process. Not with this official Apple Self-Service program. Instead of a tiny kit, the reporter received two giant Pelican cases with 79 pounds of tools inside. 79 pounds! Just to replace an iPhone battery!

Complexity goes beyond the repair

Basically, Apple shipped industrial grade machine and tools for a simple screen repair! Not only that, but after the repair was complete, the iPhone that had undergone the tech surgery did not recognize the new battery. "Unknown part" warning flashed on the screen. This was not a coincidence, it is done by design, yet another step cheap phone replacement parts where you have to dial up Apple's third-party logistics company so they can validate the part you've replaced. Don't expect to be able to do this from your repaired iPhone, though, as it has to be put in "Diagnostics mode", so you'd need a separate computer.

Last but not least, it is the price of the whole endeavor. An Apple Store charges $69 for a battery replacement, while the Self-Service procedure includes the following costs:

$69 just for the battery
$49 to rent Apple equipment
$1,200 credit card hold for the toolkit, in case the tools aren't returned within a 7-day window

Yes, you will be losing both your time and money.

Apple Self-Service seems designed to fail

At this point in time, the complexity of Apple's Self-Service program is so evident that it seems it has been designed that way to convince users NOT to perform repairs on their own. Apple can always say that they provided the xiaomi replacement parts option, but users showed no interest, and in this way, it will control the narrative and suggest users have no interest in such a program, while in fact it is the program itself that is designed to be way too complex.

If you are interested in repairing your own gadgets, or just seeing the ins and outs of the Apple Self-Service program, we strongly recommend you read the whole article over on Phone-Part.com.

Looking for something new to keep your toddler entertained while you enjoy your garden this summer? Now's a good time to splash out (pardon the pun) on paddling pools, trampolines and playhouses to ensure they get the most use this year.

We've rounded up some of the top rated and best selling popular outdoor toys for young children available this year, which offer multiple ways to play and may even keep children busy for long enough for you to kick back in your new sun lounger.

From a mud kitchen that comes with all the mod cons, to a nature explorer set that will allow your child to go on safari in their own back yard, scroll down to shop our favourites.

Best garden toys for toddlers UK

This is one of the best equipped mud kitchens we've seen, with a working tap above the sink, plant pots to grow herbs, a chalkboard to write the specials menu on and pegs to hang the utensils, (which come included). One thing to note: assembly is required. A happy customer has commented in the reviews that their 18-month-old loves this best toys gift. "The tap is the favourite bit so far," they wrote. "Wasn't too complicated to put together. Really nice colours."

Summer Waves Inflatable Dinosaur Sprinkler Paddling Pool

This paddling pool stands out from the crowd thanks to lots of fun features, such as the included ring toss game and inflatable float toys. Plus, if you connect your hose, the dinosaur's head will spray a shower of water. Shoppers have rated this paddling five out of five stars and many have commented that it is very good value as is larger than it looks in pictures.

After the announcement of her upcoming Sour tour, Olivia Rodrigo just revealed a brand new gig: On Thursday, Dec. 9, the pop-punk princess is joining forces with custom phone case brand Casetify as its first-ever brand ambassador, and to kick off their year-long partnership, she’s set to release an exclusive line of phone cases and accessories.

Creatively led by Rodrigo herself, “The Hardened Hearts” collection draws inspiration from her signature punk-meets-Y2K fashion aesthetic, along with nods to her personal love for music with references from her record-breaking debut album. Some standout styles include cases highlighting catchy song lyrics from her hit Sour songs, like “brutal” and “good 4 u,” which are also stylized in cutesy prints and edgy graphics and can even be customized to your liking.

“It was really cool to be able to help create this collection with Casetify that reflects my vision and keeps sustainability at the forefront of each design,” said Rodrigo in an official statement. Much of the “The Hardened Hearts” phone case collection includes styles that are either made from biodegradable or recyclable materials, such as old phone cases made into new ones.

“Olivia used her voice to inspire people across the globe to express themselves, and that’s what our mission is at Casetify,” added Wes Ng, co-founder and CEO at Casetify, in an official statement. “From her ability to connect with young people to her desire to support sustainability, we are excited to partner with her.”

Check out everything you need to know about shopping the highly-anticipated Olivia Rodrigo x Casetify “The Hardened Hearts” phone case collection, from lyric-covered phone cases to a silver-chained wristlet, ahead.

What is the Oliva Rodrigo x Casetify collaboration?

Olivia Rodrigo and Casetify’s collaboration will debut with the “The Hardened Hearts” collection, featuring five pop-punk-inspired phone cases, which were all made from up to 65% recycled and durable materials from Re/Casetify’s technology that turns old phone cases into new product.

With many of the phone cases paying homage to Rodrigo’s debut Sour album, they’re the ideal companion for her upcoming global tour. The new collection includes a chained-up “Broken Ego, Broken Heart” case, ranging in price from $45 to $75, and the “DNT ANSWER” phone case, which resembles the exterior of an early-aughts cell phone. There is also the “Butterfly Town” case, coming in a purple all-over butterfly print, the shattered mirror “Broken Butterfly” custom case (priced between $40 and $70), and an “Anti-Poster Child” case. Some of the cases in this collection can also be customized with names, monograms, and more in an Olivia-esque font. Other styles also include a metal phone strap ($55) to easily tote around your new Sour-style phone.

When and where can I buy the Olivia Rodrigo x Casetify “The Hardened Hearts” collection?

Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 15, the Olivia Rodrigo x Casetify “The Hardened Hearts” collection will be available for purchase exclusively through Phone-Part.com and Casetify’s Co-Lab app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store. In the meantime, you can get a glimpse at Rodrigo’s new phone case line in more detail.