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Before iOS (and for the early years of iOS) people paid out of pocket for software updates. Now it’s an ongoing cost instead, imposed as a tax on software trans
by 542458 4y ago
Before iOS (and for the early years of iOS) people paid out of pocket for software updates. Now it’s an ongoing cost instead, imposed as a tax on software transactions. This is not an unusual arrangement - people rent things in perpetuity all the time, like EC2 instances and water heaters.
- wvenable 4y agoThe fact that it's a tax on software transactions and not simply something rented/charged monthly is kind of the point. And, no, not all software updates were uncommon or charged for before iOS. Windows Update predates iOS by many years. People did pay for development tools but then so do iOS developers for $100 a year. I've personally only paid for dev tools a few times in my life. Developers add value to an ecosystem.
- acdha 4y agoPatches for Windows predate iOS. Free upgrades to major versions do not. I’m not entirely sure it’s worth it but it sure seems like most people accept this bargain since it’s become standard on the most used devices.
- wvenable 4y agoThey don't have a choice. And most people don't realize that 1/3 of every purchase they make goes directly to Apple.