Paid iOS Updates

[tkukoc]

I'll pay for updates when Apple stops locking every firmware so you can't downgrade.

 

[eyoungren]

One reason the devices cost more is because you're paying for the years of iOS support/ updates rolled into the cost of the device...

That and 'features' you didn't ask for?

 

[joeblow7777]

Not to mention the fragmentation when 70% of people refuse to pay for the upgrade from the version their phone/ iPad/ iPod shipped with... no more android comparisons at WWDC!

Exactly. If anything this would slow the progress of iOS development as more users cling to older versions.

Before Microsoft offered Windows 10 for free, it didn't matter to me if I had a PC for 5 or 6 years, it always kept whatever OS it shipped with.

 

[macintoshmac]

iOS software could benefit from going back to the paid model, with each major revision costing around £20/$30. This would mean that more money could be put into software advancement. It also means that each revision would have more meaningful changes as there would need to be public motivation to update to the latest version.

Thoughts?

Maybe then they could go DayOne or Ulysses route and we could subscribe to use iOS on our iPhones, right? $49 per year to use the latest on the latest iPhone, and with each year you do not upgrade, you pay $5 less till it becomes $0, at which point your device is no longer supported and you must buy a new device? What say?

Hilarity aside, I think they make their money when they sell you hardware. Apple makes more than enough in a lot of other ways. With that money, it could rather be argued that they are rather half-hearted about software development, but it seems they are going where they want to go and with iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, things have definitely been "tidied up" on macOS while they have been re-energised on iPad, whereas the iPhone gets a decent speed boost.

 

[Gathomblipoob]

Yeahhhhhhh…Apple USED to do that.

I know, but they don't now.

 

[MattXDA]

This thread was just a talking point to gauge public opinion — my personal view is that iOS should absolutely be free. The security updates alone are vital

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

I'm holding out for a wooden, screen less iPhone only controlled by Siri, and every new voice command is a .99 DLC.

 

[Droidbricker]

build a wall while you're at it

Better yet, 4 walls with a garden inside.

 

[CTHarrryH]

I also love it when people talk about nothing new or changed in releases when there are many, many, many new features - but because the ICONS don't look different they think nothing has changed.

 

[ThatsMeRight]

iOS software could benefit from going back to the paid model, with each major revision costing around £20/$30. This would mean that more money could be put into software advancement. It also means that each revision would have more meaningful changes as there would need to be public motivation to update to the latest version.

Thoughts?

That $30 you're talking about... you already pay that. How? The iPhone's price, which is already higher than that of other smartphones.

 

[576316]

Absolutely not. Apple would look more greedy and consumer hostile than they already do. People have come to expect free OS updates, and rightly so IMO, given the cost of products and services - that applies to all companies, but more so for Apple given the 'Apple Tax' which definitely exists. Also, I don't think Apple need to be incentivised by charging customers for updates to actually make a decent update. That logic is completely backwards.
[doublepost=1504298879][/doublepost]

Apple has more cash-on-hand than some small countries.

...and large. Doesn't Apple have more money than the US government? Which I guess is not difficult seeing as most 1st world countries are in deficit anyway - at least UK and I think US.

 

[David-fr]

Then, if it is pirated, there would be some serious security loopholes.. this would cost Apple more than what they could generate in revenue through charging for iOS, like they once did for iPhone OS.

Another thought and probably one you didn't consider. Piracy. Charging for iOS means someone's going to try and make it available for free.

 

[yaxomoxay]

iOS software could benefit from going back to the paid model, with each major revision costing around £20/$30. This would mean that more money could be put into software advancement. It also means that each revision would have more meaningful changes as there would need to be public motivation to update to the latest version.

Thoughts?

What are you talking about???