That was my thought as well. I change my phone every couple of years. I have used HTC and Nokia in the past. It's way easier to recycle an Apple device and they

That was my thought as well. I change my phone every couple of years. I have used HTC and Nokia in the past. It's way easier to recycle an Apple device and they're very diligent about ensuring it's unlocked. They pay a decent price for up-to 3 year old phones. It's also way way easier to get an iPhone fixed than the other ones I have owned. People talk about Apple lock-in issues in general terms. No one seem to look at from a matter of practicality. I have fixed my iPhones every time there's an issue - because I actually can. My HTC camera had the purple glare issue. HTC refused to service it unless I pay $200 + shipping back and forth and be without a phone for 3 weeks!!! Same with my LG TV or Sony laptop. I used to complain about the same things people in this thread too - about how draconian Apple is. Until I actually started using their products and realized they both last long and are repairable. The only downside is the cost - even that is not expensive in the long run (my Pro is now 7 years old and runs like a champ with just a battery replacement).