longpath

Dropping support in the same year as a model stops being sold would be rather bad form for Apple. They should stop selling it if their internal roadmap indicates support for a model needs to drop. The series 2 was discontinued in September of 2017; but was supported through WatchOS 6,2,8, with WatchOS 6 coming out 2 years after the series 2 ended, and not itself being replaced with WatchOS 7 until the series 2 was gone for 3 years. I would expect the same sort of lead time for the series 3.

I’m curious what a total loss by Eouc would mean. Sadly, I didn’t see that possibility even brushed upon. 

If replacement parts meet or exceed Apple specifications, and installation techniques are equal better, then it’s all fine and good; but this decision, as was already pointed out, means that second hand items either have to be regarded as less trustworthy, or the consumer needs to be able to evaluate the condition of the internals of a device. Ironically, given the argument of the FTC, this burden would seem to fall squarely on the very population segment that the FTC purports to be concerned about. Conversely, in the used automobile market, it is feasible to check compression on the engine, and to check the onboard diagnostics either for codes or indications that the computer was recently cleared/reset, and the means to perform these tests are readily available. I am fearful that governments will stunt innovation or create security holes by requiring some standardized diagnostic solution; but without such an option, verification of the condition of second hand computers, which smartphones definitely are, becomes an undue burden on the very people such efforts are meant to aid. A person who can only afford a 2nd hand iPhone ought not to have to worry about 3rd rate parts in their new acquisition.

There mere implication of the possibility of Cellebrite mitigation will do wonders for Signal’s word of mouth marketing; but I hope Apple sues Cellebrite.

Until I know that Apple us looking at personal vehicles, and there’s enough chatter suggesting they are more interested in the ride share segments, I’m only giving this tangential attention.