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The point is that Apple makes no public commitment about how long any particular iPhone model will be supported for. Some of the models in the range have had r

The point is that Apple makes no public commitment about how long any particular iPhone model will be supported for. Some of the models in the range have had relatively longer or shorter periods of support. An iPhone 5 got less than a 5S. An iPhone 6 got less than a 6S.

MBCook 3y ago
You’re right. We only have 15 years of data showing Apple tends to provide excellent support. Without a published commitment they could move to a one year model any day. On the other hand Google put out a press release! Come on, this seems unnecessarily harsh given Apple has been the industry leader in how long they provide software and security updates for their phones.
- withzombies 3y ago
  Statements can be enforced by the FTC or be used for the grounds of successful litigation. That’s why it’s a big deal. Apple has had a great record of support, and I’m a huge fan of their products. A commitment to continue their great support would be a nice step.
- daveoc64 3y ago
  Apple's track record is mostly good, but as has been noted, there are products that have been dropped sooner than others. As a consumer, I'd prefer that Apple was honest about its intent up front. I'd rather have a definite 7 years than a possible 8.
- pathartl 3y ago
  This is the "trust me bro" argument and while trends have shown that Apple supports stuff longer than most other manufacturers, there is no guarantee.
- cbolton 3y ago
  According the Wikipedia, the iPhone 4 got only 4 years of updates (released in 2010, last update with iOS 7.1.2 in 2014). And Apple was still selling it in 2015. That's maybe the worst example but it illustrates the difference between "typical" and a guarantee.
  - MBCook 3y ago
    Huh. I don’t remember what happened there. I thought the 4 was the last 32-but chip but I checked and there was at least one more. So that’s not it.
Bud 3y ago
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MBCook 3y ago

You’re right. We only have 15 years of data showing Apple tends to provide excellent support. Without a published commitment they could move to a one year model any day. On the other hand Google put out a press release! Come on, this seems unnecessarily harsh given Apple has been the industry leader in how long they provide software and security updates for their phones.

withzombies 3y ago
Statements can be enforced by the FTC or be used for the grounds of successful litigation. That’s why it’s a big deal. Apple has had a great record of support, and I’m a huge fan of their products. A commitment to continue their great support would be a nice step.
daveoc64 3y ago
Apple's track record is mostly good, but as has been noted, there are products that have been dropped sooner than others. As a consumer, I'd prefer that Apple was honest about its intent up front. I'd rather have a definite 7 years than a possible 8.
pathartl 3y ago
This is the "trust me bro" argument and while trends have shown that Apple supports stuff longer than most other manufacturers, there is no guarantee.
cbolton 3y ago
According the Wikipedia, the iPhone 4 got only 4 years of updates (released in 2010, last update with iOS 7.1.2 in 2014). And Apple was still selling it in 2015. That's maybe the worst example but it illustrates the difference between "typical" and a guarantee.
- MBCook 3y ago
  Huh. I don’t remember what happened there. I thought the 4 was the last 32-but chip but I checked and there was at least one more. So that’s not it.

Bud 3y ago

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