Complaining about Apple products being a status symbol is popular way to show to show your status as an informed person in the geek community. amirite?

Maybe like 5 years ago. I don't think anyone would think down on you for having an iPhone especially because phones for the most part plateaued

I think it's obvious that at least 50% of the reason people buy apple products is either out of brand loyalty, compatibility with other apple devices or purely for status. At least that's what I've learned talking to people with apple products.

Very few people who own apple products seem to be aware of the actual hardware or software specifics.