zlacker

Hasn't Apple been doing this for years? The difference between 6 and 7 years is hardly a line in the sand, especially considering the quality issues the Pixel has had.

>>bdcrav+(OP)
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.

>>daveoc+r1
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.

>>MBCook+v3
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.

>>MBCook+v3
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.

>>MBCook+v3
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.

>>MBCook+v3
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.

>>cbolto+Yv
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.