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?
by duiker101 on 8/30/19, 1:03 PM
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.
by mtmail on 8/30/19, 1:00 PM
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.
by tomcam on 8/30/19, 8:44 PM
I have used Apple phone support several times a year for the last few years. It works very well. They always get to me promptly, even at busy times such as a Monday during the business day. I don’t know whether you can get it without purchasing their Apple care plan.
I’m no longer buying Apple laptops and I will miss that support option.
by redis_mlc on 8/30/19, 9:14 PM
FYI: a lot of people used Blackberries much longer than you would expect because they got Tier 2 (expert, near-shore) support by default.
I never got a scripted answer to my questions.
And I also recommend and use the Apple stores for support.
So the OP is asking a really pertinent question.
by closetohome on 8/30/19, 5:29 PM
I've found Apple support to be fine in person (used to be able to just walk in, now you need an appointment), great by phone, and super convenient via chat.
by GeekyBear on 8/30/19, 2:29 PM
You have a choice of free support in person, if you happen to live near an Apple Store, or free support over the phone.
by PopeDotNinja on 8/30/19, 4:17 PM
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.
by sixcorners on 8/31/19, 12:14 AM
This doesn't answer your question but..
It looks like google offers phone support if you pay for Google One.
https://one.google.com/support
Have you tried it out?
by matty22 on 8/30/19, 6:30 PM
I've used both Apple Support over the phone for set up/software issues and Apple Genius Bar for hardware issues. Nothing but good things to say about them. In general, a very pleasant experience.
by towndrunk on 8/30/19, 1:00 PM
You can always walk into the Apple Store where they have the Genius bar.
by tinus_hn on 8/30/19, 6:39 PM
You can just call them and they will probably help you but if you have a difficult question you might get nowhere. If you have just bought a new iPhone it comes with support though.
by dmode on 8/30/19, 4:15 PM
Apple support is way better than Google. Genius Bar is always helpful