Forced to upgrade

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Frequent “forced upgrades” of otherwise functional phones and computers are drawing growing criticism from users who feel trapped between security risks, app incompatibilities and the cost of new hardware. Commenters point to Apple and Android vendors ending OS and browser support after 5–7 years as a major driver of e‑waste and frustration, especially when hardware still works and preferred features like small form factors or Touch ID disappear. Proposed remedies range from longer mandated support windows and right‑to‑repair laws to more open, hackable devices and greater use of Linux or custom ROMs, though many note the economic incentives of hardware makers work against such changes.

Forced Upgrades & Software Support

  • Many users feel “forced” to replace fully functional phones and Macs when OS and app support ends, especially browsers and security patches.
  • Several stories: iPhone 6/7/8 era devices and older Macs becoming unusable mainly due to web/app and security support, not failing hardware.
  • Some argue transitions like PowerPC→Intel→ARM and ARM performance gains justify deprecations; others see them as also serving as sales drivers.

Environmental Impact & Regulation

  • Strong concern about e‑waste from phones and desktops that could last much longer.
  • Debate on impact: some say phone emissions are a “rounding error” vs cars and urban planning; others stress mining, rare metals, and non‑carbon harms.
  • EU-style rules mentioned: minimum 5 years of updates, calls for 10 years, Cyber Resilience Act, and right‑to‑repair / mandated support for older devices.
  • Counterpoint: regulatory bandwidth is limited and should prioritize higher-impact changes (e.g., transport).

Apple, Android, and Open Source

  • Apple is widely seen as best-in-class for mobile OS longevity, but 5–7 years is still viewed as insufficient compared to appliances and PCs.
  • Android OEM support is inconsistent; some devices are EOL’d quickly, others (Pixel, Samsung, Fairphone) now promise 5–7+ years.
  • Custom ROMs (LineageOS, GrapheneOS) can extend life but break bank apps and SafetyNet, and are seen as less trustworthy by some.
  • Open-source OSes on PCs (Linux/BSD) are praised for near-indefinite hardware support; proprietary ecosystems are accused of having financial incentives to drop old hardware.

Security, Banking, and App Policies

  • Several note that once security updates stop, network use is risky; others argue acceptable risk depends on user context.
  • Bank/2FA apps often force newer OS versions, sometimes hard-blocking older but still-working app builds. This is a major practical obsolescence driver.

UX Preferences: Touch ID, Size, and Features

  • Strong nostalgia for smaller phones (SE, 4/5, mini) and Touch ID; many dislike large “phablets” and Face ID reliability.
  • Others find Face ID clearly superior and adapt quickly to gesture navigation and larger screens.

Workarounds & Coping Strategies

  • Users extend life via battery replacements, trade-ins, or repurposing (music players, monitors, offline devices).
  • Some keep a “modern” phone only for apps that demand it, while daily-driving much older hardware they actually prefer.