How does Apple get away with dropping old features?

[Faize]

If Microsoft were to announce that the next update to Windows 10 would remove 32-bit compatibility, there would be an uproar. Not only are many popular Windows programs still 32-bit, it's not unusual for enterprises (or individuals, for that matter - Starcraft on PC never had the long hiatus it had on Macs) to still be running DOS-based program from the 90's.

Yet Apple dropping support for 32-bit is practically a non-issue. Everyone just kinda takes it in stride. What's behind the difference in mentalities?

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

There are many businesses who run really old software on older versions of Windows, and thus require legacy support. You don't really see much of that with macOS.

 

[Mcmeowmers]

There are many businesses who run really old software on older versions of Windows, and thus require legacy support. You don't really see much of that with macOS.

iTunes 12.6.3

 

[anika200]

Apple dropping support for 32-bit is practically a non-issue. Everyone just kinda takes it in stride. What's behind the difference in mentalities?

Everyone is dropping support, Linux (Arch), even some VMs will not run 32 bit.

Please move forward with the rest us,

There really is no reason to move away from 32 bit except that there is and thats where it is all going.

 

[TiggrToo]

If Microsoft were to announce that the next update to Windows 10 would remove 32-bit compatibility, there would be an uproar. Not only are many popular Windows programs still 32-bit, it's not unusual for enterprises (or individuals, for that matter - Starcraft on PC never had the long hiatus it had on Macs) to still be running DOS-based program from the 90's.

Yet Apple dropping support for 32-bit is practically a non-issue. Everyone just kinda takes it in stride. What's behind the difference in mentalities?

Given that any app that was 32 bit was guaranteed to have been not updated in several years, it seems like it's a no-brainer for starters.

Secondly, Apple control the distribution channel with iOS and Developers sign a legally binding contract with Apple that gives Apple just this power to cease distribution of any applications that they so desire.

And finally, we consumers sign a legally binding contract with Apple giving them the absolute right to do this.

THAT'S how they get away with it. We ALL agreed.

In addition, the only similarity between iOS and Windows is that't they're both Operating systems. That said, that's where the similarities end. I'd no more expect to find comparisons between iOS and Windows than I would between Windows and OpenVMS.

 

[NT1440]

If Microsoft were to announce that the next update to Windows 10 would remove 32-bit compatibility, there would be an uproar. Not only are many popular Windows programs still 32-bit, it's not unusual for enterprises (or individuals, for that matter - Starcraft on PC never had the long hiatus it had on Macs) to still be running DOS-based program from the 90's.

Yet Apple dropping support for 32-bit is practically a non-issue. Everyone just kinda takes it in stride. What's behind the difference in mentalities?

They broadcast the change over two years in advance. If the application is critical to business operations I'd certainly hope they have people maintaining/updating it therefore making this a non-issue.

 

[1050792]

Apple gets away with it because most users think whatever Apple does is the best for the costumer (which isn't true), even if that means they will completely lose the usability and features they were used to.

 

[NT1440]

Apple gets away with it because most users think whatever Apple does is the best for the costumer (which isn't true), even if that means they will completely lose the usability and features they were used to.

The entire developer community was notified of the roadmap for end of 32 bit apps over two years ago. There's no "getting away" here, there's a concerted effort to ensure that the Mac community doesn't get interrupted...hence a TWO YEAR roadmap to here. If an app hasn't been updated by the developer by now that's an abject failure on their part or the app itself has been abandoned by the developer.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

iTunes 12.6.3

Scrivener 3.0.2.