Apple once again crushes Android makers on software update support

unpopular opinion?: i really don't believe device makers should have to future-proof their devices for more than 2 version upgrades (if that), but i do believe that they should bind them to a 5 year security repository. also, you can run new versions with old firmware blobs; you will just be limited on functionality regarding some newer technologies.

if you insist on too many version supports, you limit forward version movement because new releases will still have to support older devices. apple has control over most of these variables and maybe android could too, if there were fewer devices to deal with.

the best way to mitigate this situation is to push an ota bootloader unlock at the end of support for every device...unlockable in developer options? it would give older phones a new lease and revive a cottage industry.

/r/Android Thread Link - androidcentral.com