Android users often find themselves at the butt of jokes over their alleged poor camera quality. In some cases, Apple users even criticize others for not having the latest iPhone. With its overpriced technology and conniving marketing strategies, Apple, like many other brands, essentially maintains a hierarchy based on their products.

For a brand that supplies globally, there is no need to have price tags equivalent to monthly expenses. With the release of the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and Pro Max came such steep prices that make wallets weep and credit scores plummet. The iPhone 11 starts at $699, and the Pro starts at a whopping $999.

According to Jason Snell’s article on macworld.com, Apple’s revenue, when divided by the stagnant number of phones sold, results in the ever-increasing selling price.

Additionally, Apple accessories are significantly overpriced in comparison to non-branded counterparts. A pair of wired headphones cost $28 and just the charging cord alone is $20; however, one can purchase a generic charger and headphones for prices as low as a dollar.

As expected, companies must sometimes get their hands dirty to find success in a cutthroat industry. Apple accomplishes this by making old phones obsolete; frequent software updates delay the performance of older generations of the iPhone to counter issues regarding aging lithium-ion batteries. The updates coincide with product releases and act as a catalyst to purchase the latest technology. It appears almost as a ploy to encourage phone sales.

The cost of maintaining an Apple-centric lifestyle skyrockets in contrast to others. Those who own merchandise are associated with a lavish lifestyle due to the frivolous expenses of technology. Users spend significant amounts of money, but the necessity of purchasing for the sake of brand loyalty or product features is anybody’s guess. The phones are seen as higher quality in comparison to competitors from the collection of camera quality, recognizable design, and simple user-interface.

Conversation and relationships often stem from one’s belongings, such as phones and clothing. It has become customary in contemporary society for individuals to flaunt what they own in-person or online via social media; it occurs more within people who own pricier assets and hold little regard for modesty. Some settle for what they need while others bathe in excess.

A majority of the school owns Apple products, but one does not witness Apple users isolating Samsung or Google phone owners. This represents a minuscule way of recognizing how phones are not a symbol of wealth because people do not make shallow judgments over one’s assets.

Irrationality shines brightly in society when people attack those who present what they own publically, but individuals should encourage others to dial back their arrogance. There are bigger issues to resolve than concerning oneself with who owns what.