Meet the world’s ultimate Apple superfan: Single father, 29, has more than 100 devices
Popstars and actors may be the first people that come to mind when thinking of megafans.
But you may be surprised to know that one man has been crowned the world’s ultimate Apple superfan in an international competition held by SellCell.
Software engineer, David Freedman, triumphed over 1,000 candidates with a collection of more than 100 devices at his Kansas home.
The 29-year-old’s impressive shrine is worth a whopping $36,000 (£29,035), and even includes a pair of glasses crafted by Steve Jobs’ former optician.
But David’s love for the tech giant doesn’t stop there – as he’s even named his daughter after the Apple co-founder’s child, Lisa.
David Freeman was crowned the ultimate Apple superfan in a global contest held by SellCell
‘I’m extremely proud and humbled to bring the title to Apple’s home country. A lifetime of being called an “Apple Sheep” has finally paid off,’ he said.
‘Apple is so much more than just a company to me. It is a community and an ecosystem that touches so many aspects of my life.
‘Every time Tim Cook steps out on stage to unveil a new product feels like Christmas morning.’
David’s passion for Apple kickstarted when he was just a teenager while writing letters to Steve Jobs.
‘I was inspired by the story of when Steve Jobs was in high school and called Bill Hewlett asking for spare electronic components,’ he said.
‘Not only was he given the parts, but also an internship at Hewlett-Packard. I was hopeful that I could gain a similar opportunity.
‘Unfortunately, the replies from Steve’s PA were lost well over a decade ago. I do still have a few pieces of him, in a sense though.’
Today, every room in David’s house is painted in each of the six colours from one of Apple’s first ever logos.
Every door, fan, lock, camera and TV is also controlled by Apple’s HomeKit technology, while Siri is used to open the garage and control the heating.
David has triumphed over 1,000 candidates with a collection of more than 100 devices at his Kansas home
David takes ‘religious holiday’ from work whenever Apple makes an announcement or hosts its annual September event
David even takes ‘religious holiday’ from work whenever Apple makes an announcement or hosts its annual September event.
‘My house matches the six-colour Apple logo which highlighted the graphics capabilities of the Apple II in 1977,’ he continued.
‘I received lots of concerned comments from friends and family about how I would be hurting the resale value or how hideous it would turn out.
‘I wasn’t going to let any of that stop me from having a house that I was happy with, though.’
Although David’s proud to have earned the Apple superfan title, he admits that it’s difficult to find a partner who likes it too.
‘I have a seven-year-old daughter named Elizabeth (or Lisa for short) – Steve Jobs’ daughter’s name and the name of the first computer Apple released with a graphical user interface.
Today, every room in David’s house is painted in each of the six colours from one of Apple’s first ever logos
Every door, fan, lock, camera and TV is also controlled by Apple’s HomeKitt technology, while Siri is used to open the garage and control the heating
‘But I’m currently single – it’s hard finding a partner who is okay with coming in second to Apple.’
David was awarded a new Series 9 watch after scoring all answers correctly in the fastest time as part of an Apple-themed contest.
He added: ‘You’d think a person who already owns over 100 different Apple products couldn’t possibly be excited to get another one, but I always am.
‘Not only as something practical that I will get use out of but also for what it symbolizes.
‘It will be an honor to wear it and I’ll surely brag about it to anyone I can get to listen.’