u587162
asked on
Why do smart phone manufacturers stop supporting updates?
I have the iPhone 5. Apple are not providing iOS 11 to users like me. The cynical me says it's because they want me to spend to upgrade to the latest shiny toy. Is that the real reason? I really can't believe that hey can't afford to support performance and functional updates for upto 10 years.
Is Android any better?
Is Android any better?
arnold
Often it is. In some cases the added features require more powerful processors, components. In order for an OS to support many variations it requires a larger foot print for the OS. So they limit how far back in terms of hardware their newer OS version will support.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
The reason you cannot upgrade is that the hardware will not support it. Apple would let you upgrade if it did. I upgraded my 4s (immediate predecessor to your phone because it would not support IOS 10).
If it is the same for computers. Many old computers will not (properly) support Windows 10.
The reason is hardware, not political.
If it is the same for computers. Many old computers will not (properly) support Windows 10.
The reason is hardware, not political.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
I think there is a degree of hardware to it. For example, Microsoft supports Windows 10 on any machine it will run on, and too bad if your machine's hardware won't handle it.
I do not know about Android, but I expect Apple plans for hardware increases that won't support old IOS, so then they are in a position not to allow it on old devices.
I do not know about Android, but I expect Apple plans for hardware increases that won't support old IOS, so then they are in a position not to allow it on old devices.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
If Android allow your the option to upgrade and downgrade at will, why couldn't I update my wife's HTC Desire - it's is also probably around 5 years old?
The issue extends to beyond phones. What happens if the 50" Samsun TV no longer allows Smart Hub updates and Netflix no longer supports older versions of Smart Hub? I'm left with a dumb TV. Not many people replace TVs every few years like they do a phone.
I'll be damned if I ever buy a smart fridge!
The issue extends to beyond phones. What happens if the 50" Samsun TV no longer allows Smart Hub updates and Netflix no longer supports older versions of Smart Hub? I'm left with a dumb TV. Not many people replace TVs every few years like they do a phone.
I'll be damned if I ever buy a smart fridge!
Amen!! 100% agree. "Smart" ain't so "smart" it seems.
If Android allow your the option to upgrade and downgrade at will, why couldn't I update my wife's HTC Desire - it's is also probably around 5 years old?
For update, it depends on whether HTC has developed the firmware for your old HTC Desire. As I have told you earlier, nearly no Android manufacturers will make a new firmware which was launched more than three years. HTC is not among the biggest players and might only follow the best practice. Anyway, Google has acquired HTC and Google will launch Google Pixel 2 using HTC's engineers direct and the situation might change.
For update, it depends on whether HTC has developed the firmware for your old HTC Desire. As I have told you earlier, nearly no Android manufacturers will make a new firmware which was launched more than three years. HTC is not among the biggest players and might only follow the best practice. Anyway, Google has acquired HTC and Google will launch Google Pixel 2 using HTC's engineers direct and the situation might change.
Regarding Smart TV, there are licence agreements for the intellectual properties for the content behind the symbol status of being smart. But the licence agreement is not perpetual and upon expiry of the licence agreement, the content will vanish for sure.
Regarding the download of Android firmware, you need to have the tools, skills and knowledge before you can do it. Normally, consumer of an Android phone will not have any of the above.
A lot depends on design to cover a long period of time. Intel designed a CPU that was used in HP Envy machines. Those machines are 2 years old and cannot and will never run Windows 10 Creator Update or anything beyond.
Apple is in more control of design but they want to move forward as well.
Apple is in more control of design but they want to move forward as well.
Agreed.
The problem is there are many security research organisations which their main topics of the research are the vulnerabilities of the OS of mobile devices and Google and Apple must follow closely with such advices by patching the OS with an update. So, as a normal user, will you expect a downgrade of the OS which means undo of the patches to put your mobile device at risk?
The problem is there are many security research organisations which their main topics of the research are the vulnerabilities of the OS of mobile devices and Google and Apple must follow closely with such advices by patching the OS with an update. So, as a normal user, will you expect a downgrade of the OS which means undo of the patches to put your mobile device at risk?