For photos and videos specifically, yes. You can just plug it into a PC using the USB cable and it will let you pull the files straight off, just like a digital

For photos and videos specifically, yes. You can just plug it into a PC using the USB cable and it will let you pull the files straight off, just like a digital camera. For most other types of data, you're in Apple's walled garden. iCloud is an option, as long as you don't care about privacy and security of course. You can also use iTunes on a Mac laptop, as long as you're willing to buy more expensive Apple gear with more Apple software shenanigans just to get to your files. Otherwise, your best bet is probably to pay for one of the third-party applications that will help you to get your own data off your own device without relying on Apple's methods. Sadly, that was not a joke. But such software does exist, and some of it seems to have a good reputation.