> CPUs, like smartphones, don't really need an upgrade every year So don't upgrade, what's your problem? Releasing new product each year gives an opportunity

> CPUs, like smartphones, don't really need an upgrade every year So don't upgrade, what's your problem? Releasing new product each year gives an opportunity to upgrade hardware on your own schedule, being sure that the CPU you buy this year will last for a fixed number of years more. There are very few people always living on the bleeding edge, most just buy PCs when they feel necessary. For manufacturers this means steady revenue stream and good supply/demand balance, without shocks when everyone wants to upgrade (see how it goes for game consoles, for example).