TaskNote vs. Apple Notes: Don't Get Trapped in the Ecosystem
TL;DR:
Apple Notes is designed to sell you more iPhones. TaskNote is designed to keep your ideas safe, regardless of what device you use. If you ever plan to use Windows, Android, or Linux, you need TaskNote.
🧱 The Walled Garden (Platform Lock-in)
Apple Notes is strictly for the Apple ecosystem.
- The Problem: Have a Windows PC at work? You have to use the terrible iCloud web interface. Switching to Android? You lose access to your notes entirely.
- The Trap: Apple wants to make it hard for you to switch devices. Your notes become leverage to keep you buying iPhones.
TaskNote is Cross-Platform.
- Freedom: We have native apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Seamless: Start writing on your iPad, finish on your Windows desktop. Your data follows you, not your hardware brand.
📤 The "Hotel California" Effect (Exporting)
You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.
Apple Notes:
- Export Nightmare: There is no "Export All" button. You can only export one note at a time as a PDF.
- Data Hostage: If you have 1,000 notes, migrating away from Apple Notes requires complex scripts or hours of manual copy-pasting.
TaskNote:
- Data Ownership: Your data is yours. Export everything to standard Markdown or JSON in one click.
- Future Proof: Since we use open formats, your notes will be readable in 2050, even if TaskNote disappears.
🔐 Privacy by Default
Apple Notes:
- Default Settings: By default, Apple holds the encryption keys (to help you recover accounts).
- Opt-in Security: You can enable "Advanced Data Protection," but it's hidden deep in settings and many users don't know about it.
TaskNote:
- Secure by Design: We don't have a "standard" mode. End-to-End Encryption is always on. We never hold your keys, period.
⚔️ Comparison Table
| Feature | Apple Notes | TaskNote |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Apple Only (Web is poor) | All Platforms (Win/Lin/Mac/Mob) |
| Export Data | Nightmare (No bulk export) | One-Click (Markdown/JSON) |
| Encryption | Standard (Apple holds keys)* | E2EE (You hold keys) |
| Format | Proprietary | Universal Text |
| Markdown Support | Limited / Hidden | Native / First-Class |
*Unless "Advanced Data Protection" is manually enabled.
🏁 Conclusion: Freedom vs Convenience
Stick with Apple Notes if:
- You swear you will never buy a Windows PC or an Android phone in your entire life.
- You don't care about exporting your data in the future.
Switch to TaskNote if:
- You use mixed devices (e.g., iPhone + Windows Laptop).
- You want the peace of mind that you can take your data anywhere.
- You prefer Markdown over rich text.