Setting up an devices in a basic Apple ecosystem include an iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, MacBook, and iPad. An Android ecosystem would consist of a Chromebook, Android smartphone, and Wear OS smartwatch.
However, Apple's ecosystem offers Continuity features that cannot be matched. For example, Universal Clipboard lets s copy from an iPhone and paste on a Mac, AirDrop provides quick and easy wireless file transfers, and Handoff lets s begin a task on one Apple device and finish it on another. There's also the ability to make and receive calls on multiple devices connected to an iPhone's network, and automatically unlock a Mac with an Apple Watch. Apple's ecosystem is often referred to as a 'walled garden' that makes it almost impossible for an invested to get out of, but for those wanting to take the plunge, here's a look at the prices for an affordable Apple ecosystem.
On the can consider the iPhone 11, which starts at $499. Moving on to AirPods, the 2nd-generation earbuds are available for $129. s who can afford to spend a bit more can pay an additional $50 for the newer 3rd-generation AirPods. Next up on the list is the Apple Watch. While there are multiple options, the Apple Watch SE would be the best fit for an affordable ecosystem, starting at $279. Based on the cheapest options mentioned above, the total amounts to $837.
Completing The Ecosystem And Refurbished Products
While an iPhone paired with an Apple Watch and AirPods can suffice for many s, those who want to add a laptop to the mix can get get the M1 MacBook Air for $999. For that price, Apple offers an 8-core U, 7-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. s who want to include an iPad can pick up the 9th-generation iPad which starts at $329. It has a 10.2-inch True Tone Retina display, Apple's A13 Bionic chip, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage. Adding these two products to the ecosystem cart will bring the total up to $2,165.
Keep in mind that buying accessories for the iPhone or the iPad will increase the overall cost of the Apple ecosystem. Chargers, for instance, are not included with newer iPhones, and will require an additional purchase. There are also other products like Apple TV and HomePod, which aren't essential to the ecosystem but are useful add-ons. While the prices mentioned above are taken from the official Apple Store, third-party retailers might offer better deals. s who want a bargain can look at refurbished Apple products, which could help reduce the overall price significantly. Buying products from the official Certified Refurbished Apple store will result in the same one-year warranty as a new product.