Android and IOS: Is the Device Just Old, or Is It Obsolete?
May 23rd, 2017 by admin
When trying to determine if a piece of technology is simply old or completely obsolete, keep in mind that there are different criteria for Android and iOS devices than for desktop and laptop computers. An employee stuck using an obsolete device is likely, after all, to argue that replacing it would increase their productivity.
On the flip side, replacing functional devices too often can spiral out of control into unnecessary expenses.
An IT consulting firm can help your business understand how long a device should remain in use, a safe time range for buying older models, and how to plan upgrade cycles.
When Does A Device Become Obsolete?
The general rule is that a device becomes obsolete about four years after its release. This means that trying to save money by purchasing older devices on the cheap may not work out well, as they are unlikely to receive updates as long as a newer device. Usually, you can buy only the most recent and second most recent smartphone devices new, but older refurbished devices are readily available.
Performance Issues with Old Devices
Determining if a device is aging vs. obsolete is pretty straightforward: If the employee can still complete all necessary work with the device, it is not yet obsolete.
However, older devices often have performance issues; notably, they may operate slower than the latest models. Older devices using Android often receive updates late, too, so users won't receive security and interface improvement patches as soon as they're available.
When Does a Smartphone Become Obsolete?
Forbes paints a pretty grim picture of aging devices, declaring that smartphones have about two years before they're obsolete. Still, users can typically continue on without any major problems for an additional year or two.
Once obsolete, however, many devices are prone to disruptive conditions:
- Security updates are no longer provided.
- Vital applications are no longer compatible with the operating system.
- The web browser ceases to display web pages correctly.
When Does Apple Consider Devices Obsolete?
Officially, Apple considers any product more than five years old obsolete, meaning the company tends to support their devices for a little longer than Android distributors. Apple usually supports iOS devices with the latest operating system for about four years. At this point the device will not receive updates, but it will still likely work for a while longer.
The device typically hits the obsolete category when it no longer runs the most recent version of iOS. If you buy an iOS device that's already been on the market for two years, you'll have to plan to replace it in another two years. A one-year-old device will be good for at least three years.
How Long Can Android Users Expect Operating Upgrades?
Android devices have a two-tier obsolescence system in which system updates stop coming and applications stop working. Android is a much more difficult case to gauge because updates need to come through Google, go to the manufacturer, and then reach the phone provider.
Android users can expect operating upgrades for two years after the phone is released, and a few additional months of security updates; both are soft obsolescence moments. What finally ends an Android device's life (or, at least, its usefulness) is application incompatibility after about four years, which is dependent on the developer. Most try to support the oldest version possible, but this is not always the case.
If you want to make sure your employees are using up-to-date devices that increase productivity, ATS can provide an IT and productivity assessment. Contact us today.