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It's very common among app writers, who struggle to keep up with iOS changes every year which break their app. It's also common that Apple will not support ol

by mwexler 11y ago

It's very common among app writers, who struggle to keep up with iOS changes every year which break their app. It's also common that Apple will not support older devices with iOS upgrades, and if the app you need no longer supports your iOS version, you must upgrade the device or keep working with the older app for as long as you can (bugs and all, until the app maker forces an update to continue working). I have some iPhone4 devices still around, as they power 30 pin connected speakers and other devices. But their iOS is locked to an old version, and as the apps I use continue to upgrade (and some force upgrade), the devices are forced to the ground. Hardware itself is not terrible or low quality, but the combination of Apple's control on hw and sw makes things it hard to consider these as "investments" in any way, given the high price. Perhaps it's a handheld thing; Macs and PCs appear to have better backward compatibility and longevity.

Xylakant 11y ago
Apple is definitely ahead of the curve even on iOS devices. I'm uncertain about the latest iOS update, but the one before supported iPhone 4s devices, that's 4 generations ago. None of the updates was paid. All older devices still work with the versions that you have. Compare to any kind of android devices: They rarely get obsoleted by OS Updates since there are none. Edit: My Macbook Air 2nd gen (2010 (?), can't really remember) still runs El Capitan. It's getting a bit limited in what you can do on it, but it's fine for browsing and lightweight work. Obviously no gaming :)
- bcook 11y ago
  Because of Android's more open nature, there are groups like CyanogenMod that will release updates for devices after the manufacturers have stopped. Popular devices can continue to get updates beyond 4 years. The Android & iOS/Apple differences are interesting. Both are great, in my opinion.
rm_-rf_slash 11y ago
It's neither handheld or desktop, it's the pace of advancement. In 2005, it was a frustrating and nearly impossible task to use software made for Windows 95. In 2016, it's much easier to emulate a 2005 environment. Same for mobiles. As the relative gains from each generation to the next taper off, there will be less to radically change from the ground up.

by mwexler 11y ago

Xylakant 11y ago

Apple is definitely ahead of the curve even on iOS devices. I'm uncertain about the latest iOS update, but the one before supported iPhone 4s devices, that's 4 generations ago. None of the updates was paid. All older devices still work with the versions that you have. Compare to any kind of android devices: They rarely get obsoleted by OS Updates since there are none. Edit: My Macbook Air 2nd gen (2010 (?), can't really remember) still runs El Capitan. It's getting a bit limited in what you can do on it, but it's fine for browsing and lightweight work. Obviously no gaming :)

bcook 11y ago
Because of Android's more open nature, there are groups like CyanogenMod that will release updates for devices after the manufacturers have stopped. Popular devices can continue to get updates beyond 4 years. The Android & iOS/Apple differences are interesting. Both are great, in my opinion.

rm_-rf_slash 11y ago

It's neither handheld or desktop, it's the pace of advancement. In 2005, it was a frustrating and nearly impossible task to use software made for Windows 95. In 2016, it's much easier to emulate a 2005 environment. Same for mobiles. As the relative gains from each generation to the next taper off, there will be less to radically change from the ground up.