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That only covers a subset of iCloud functionality though. Remote file storage sure. What about things like like backup the entire device with the ability to res

That only covers a subset of iCloud functionality though. Remote file storage sure. What about things like like backup the entire device with the ability to restore on a new iPhone, browsing history, app data (first and third-party), passwords, etc. AFAIK solutions aren't nearly as integrated. Which is why it would need Apple's support. Then there are services like email, iMessage, reminders, notes, etc. The latter there may be some service that does it but not in the default apps. The former I don't know of any plug-and-play solutions not cloud hosted. For example, many privacy concerned people use Proton mail but that is cloud hosted and subject to search without the user's knowledge (hopefully provided a valid warrant, but I don't think that takes away from the point). I'd also rather services like find-my-iphone, recent locations, and other map data be handled on a server I control without Apple having any potential access. I'm not saying there are no solutions but I am saying that they involve tradeoffs that a first-party solution could make a lot smoother. I'd gladly pay for a home Apple server that could replace all iCloud functionality without having to change my habits. I suspect I'm not the only one - just look at their recent privacy focused offering that turns off a bunch of features for "at risk" individuals.

smoldesu 4y ago
It more sounds like your fault for becoming overly-reliant on services that are only possible by putting your trust in one company. I'm also one of the people who does the whole "home NAS" thing, and I have no problem syncing my passwords, notes, dotfiles and whatnot. This is the hook that Tim Cook has been setting up for years. They wanted you to take a bite out of their services without thinking about how their concentration of power effects you. Now that people are realizing that iCloud/Apple Pay/App Store are all just ploys to add an Apple Tax to other segments of the economy, they're relying on the people addicted to their services to justify it's use. When people talk about the degrading Apple ecosystem, this is what we're referring to. I jumped off that racket years ago. Buy a few WD Reds and set up RAID, then you can self-provision your own cloud resources.
- merely-unlikely 4y ago
  I don't disagree. Still, the situation remains and I bet Apple could charge another "tax" to remedy it. And to be clear, I'm suggesting a product offering not a regulatory solution.
  - smoldesu 4y ago
    Yep. I certainly wouldn't hold your breath for Apple to reverse their stance on services/the cloud though. They make too much money off it to encourage people to self-host. It may well take regulatory action before Apple puts their customers before profit margins again.

smoldesu 4y ago

It more sounds like your fault for becoming overly-reliant on services that are only possible by putting your trust in one company. I'm also one of the people who does the whole "home NAS" thing, and I have no problem syncing my passwords, notes, dotfiles and whatnot. This is the hook that Tim Cook has been setting up for years. They wanted you to take a bite out of their services without thinking about how their concentration of power effects you. Now that people are realizing that iCloud/Apple Pay/App Store are all just ploys to add an Apple Tax to other segments of the economy, they're relying on the people addicted to their services to justify it's use. When people talk about the degrading Apple ecosystem, this is what we're referring to. I jumped off that racket years ago. Buy a few WD Reds and set up RAID, then you can self-provision your own cloud resources.

merely-unlikely 4y ago
I don't disagree. Still, the situation remains and I bet Apple could charge another "tax" to remedy it. And to be clear, I'm suggesting a product offering not a regulatory solution.
- smoldesu 4y ago
  Yep. I certainly wouldn't hold your breath for Apple to reverse their stance on services/the cloud though. They make too much money off it to encourage people to self-host. It may well take regulatory action before Apple puts their customers before profit margins again.