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Comment by bookofjoe | Hacker News Reader

Of course, this opens up a HUGE can of worms re: software updates: should companies be forced to keep ancient devices working forever?

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No, just until it's no longer commercially valuable, defined by when they're willing to release all of their source code for both client and server.

So Apple should do this for iPhones/iPads/Macs that can no longer be updated? Full disclosure: I have MANY such devices.

Yes, they should.

I have a perfectly functioning 2004 aluminum PowerBook G4 15" that could no longer receive software updates after Mac OS 10.4.2 in 2005:

[https://support.apple.com/kb/DL461?locale=en_US]

It's pretty much a paperweight at this point.

The bootloaders should also be unlocked once the software updates stop so users can continue to use the hardware they purchased.

This. If it's end of life, let me install a community made Linux distro on it.

Of course they should. The alternative is sending otherwise perfectly capable devices to the landfill.

Companies should be required to release everything a costumer needs to build and use a new update for their own device or software after EOL. This means source code for relevant servers and clients, signing keys, device communication tools, the whole lot.

Yes, definitely

It's not a huge can of worms, it's just a logical extension of existing laws for warranties on consumer products: No-one is saying things must last forever, but that things must be supported (i.e. updates, security, etc) for at-least the statutory minimum on warranties (which is two years in the EU+UK+etc) - and that the length of the supported lifespan should be clearly displayed when purchasing.

It's nothing controversial at all.

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