[prions]

People who criticize Apple for forcing their users to spend tons of money on new phones every year (via forced obsolescence) should be cheering this decision.

The techno-libertarian wing of HN will be incensed about this decision, but this move by Apple is clearly within their thoughts about reducing their environmental impact through reusing more of their iphones. When a user wants to upgrade, they can just return their phone to apple without the friction of having to resell it.

[throwmeariver1]

I don’t get this argument iPhones are the phones with the highest longevity 4-5 years software upgrades. Repair shops have displays and batteries on hand and the labor is cheaper than for most android phones. Even years into the product cycle you get new accessories and parts. I used my SE for 5 years with two battery changes for 50 per pop and my wife used her 7 for 4 with one battery and display change. Even after the 3-4 years of use you can get good money for your phone from resellers which refurbish the phones and sell them again. This is not happening in the android space at all. It’s FOMO from users and nothing else. Calling it forced obsolescence is hybris.

[olivertaylor]

I see the logic of this argument. This would presumably increase the raw number of previously used devices in circulation. It would allow Apple to capture more of the resale market while also growing it as a whole. Right?

[ericmay]

Why would the "techno-libertarian" wing of HN be incensed by Apple offering this option for customers who want to continuously upgrade devices?

[prions]

Because that group values personal ownership of technology, and their aversion to the "you will own nothing and be happy" philosophy as antithetical to their own.

[ericmay]

Ah ok. I at least sympathize with this group, if not outright support it, but didn't see an issue with Apple offering this as a service. If they stop selling stand-alone devices I think that might be a red flag though.