Tech companies make me want to scream!

First let me say that I'm not a technophobe, and I don't want this to sound like a rant, but I am genuinely annoyed. I came later than most to the internet and was the last person I know to get a cell phone. I'm just not that wrapped up in the latest and greatest stuff that everyone else thinks they need. If I don't need it, I don't buy it. I don't use 90% of the features on my phone or computer and actually take the time to go through and dump programs and apps that will never be used........it free's up space and makes everything run smoother. It's not a big deal to me, my computer is only for work, my phone is a glorified camera that I used for work mostly. That's about it. I don't need maps, don't need GPS, don't need 90% of the crap it comes with. But for whatever reason tech companies don't seem to understand that.

So with that being said, this past week my iPhone SE (? maybe, I'm not sure its the little one) just updated to iOS 26.2 without warning or even being given the option. Anyway, needless to say it screwed up my phone to the point of being downright unpleasant to use, it even put back everything I had previously removed. So when I contacted Apple to complain I got a very nicely worded version of "tough shit, learn to like it". I can understand if the basic operating system needs a tweak to keep running, but I don't see the point of forcing an "upgrade" that fundamentally changes the user experience.

Long story short I guess I'm in the market for something else. A ruggedized smart phone that can handle a drop from 20 feet and submersible to 10 feet. And one that doesn't force useless updates. Any ideas? Anyone having this same problem?

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sgoodroe · 51-55, M

So, here's an update. After screaming at the Apple customer support long enough they were "nice" enough to point the way into my phones "back door" so I could turn off all of the "new and exciting" features. 2 weeks later, thanks mostly to lousy weather and business being slow at the garage I've been able to dump most of the crap added to my phone. In the meantime, I was able to get rid of some features that I never saw a need for. So, at least for now problem solved.

I did end up finding a small Samsung that would work as a replacement.........until I saw the price. My "free upgrade" was going to cost $12 a month and $100 to activate. Not sure how that's "free", but they can keep it. Not worth it for something that gets used less than 20 minutes a day.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

I swear by the Pixel phones, made by google. As for the rugged, it really sounds like you need a sealed external case, which I know exists..😷

Northwest · M

It will only auto-update if you gave it permission, and you probably picked some option inadvertently, because, as you mentioned, this stuff is not for the faint of technology heart, but it should.

I hate the update.

sgoodroe · 51-55, M

@Northwest Actually it never asked for permission to install, it was sitting on my desk and lit up, I went over to see what was happening and the update was in progress. I was told by Apple tech support the update was "forced" because I hadn't updated in several years.

Northwest · M

@sgoodroe That's what I'm trying to explain. At some point you agreed to let it perform auto updates. That's what an auto update means: it no longer needs your permission.

sgoodroe · 51-55, M

@Northwest I never did........doesn't mean that one of my kids hasn't been playing with it though. The danger of having 4 teenagers in the house!

TheEnforcer · M

Buy a Pixel, you aren't forced to update every time and you won't be locked into a bubble like samsung or Apple.

If you really want a hardened device, buy a flip phone.

sgoodroe · 51-55, M

@TheEnforcer never heard of it, I'll have to check it out

Northwest · M

@TheEnforcer Pixel allows you to choose to perform auto-updates when they become available.

Ferric67 · M

🙋🏻‍♂
I stopped using cellphones

sgoodroe · 51-55, M

@Ferric67 I'd like to, unfortunately I need mine for work. I never had one before taking this job 15 years ago. I can get rid of it when I retire

Ferric67 · M

@sgoodroe I have force fed my job to accept the fact that I’m not using cellphones
Plus, what helps me is being in good with the HR woman

sgoodroe · 51-55, M

@Ferric67 well for me, the phone just makes my job easier....take a picture of a part I need and send it to a supplier. Not to mention there's, at least in theory a little safety factor if my car breaks down during my 115 miles per day commute. Of course I only have cell service for about 10 miles in the middle of that drive.

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