Apple support

[speedlever]

What is Apple's history of support for older devices? I'm wondering what to expect down the road as Apples releases the iPad 2, iPad 3, etc. Will the original iPad still get firmware updates, etc?

 

[xune]

Nothing short of amazing in my experience.

My daughter uses an iMac G4, pre-intel, however, running 10.5 Leopard. Without the support from Apple Care and the Geniuses at the Apple stores, this machine would have been retired years ago. It continues to live on and supports current devices like the iPhone4 and the iPad.

Specifically relating to your question, I was using a 1st gen iPhone up until last year and a 2nd gen iPhone till I sold it two weeks ago. Besides hardware differences and some processor limitations, both of these older phones were able to take advantage of all but the most recent updates; more so with the iPhone 3G. Being able to use either of these phones for as long as we did shows not only great build quality, but forward/backward support for devices that outlived the usefulness of my PC that was purchased the same year as my 1st gen iPhone.

I'd recommend to visit an Apple store, or make an appointment to speak with a Genius or call 1 800 MY APPLE for information regarding product support straight from the source.

 

[col.bris]

What is Apple's history of support for older devices? I'm wondering what to expect down the road as Apples releases the iPad 2, iPad 3, etc. Will the original iPad still get firmware updates, etc?

To answer the question Apple now holds parts for older computers for 5 years. what that means if you require a Apple hardware replacement after 5 years it will be difficult for example a power supply. From my almost 30 years experience with Apple as a reseller/ support specialist usually if a computer is 4_ 5 years old it is use by date and not economical to service Replacing memory and hard drives is fine however Upgrading to latest os software may be impossible or not worth it due to the specifications of older computers. In respect to the iPad i would expect 3 years would be a reasonable time frame as one cannot service the iPad it must be replaced. The fact that it is solid state makes it better for the end user as there are no moving parts to fail.. One will find that at some point most likely after 3rd generation you will not be able to upgrade the iOS however in saying that if your iPad still functions why worry. I personally think when the battery dies it will be time to replace the iPad as the cost of replacement if not covered under warranty will be not justified. Hope that helps

 

[xune]

. The fact that it is solid state makes it better for the end user as there are no moving parts to fail.. One will find that at some point most likely after 3rd generation you will not be able to upgrade the iOS however in saying that if your iPad still functions why worry. I personally think when the battery dies it will be time to replace the iPad as the cost of replacement if not covered under warranty will be not justified. Hope that helps

Agreed. Solid state/no moving parts is a definite advantage in prolonging the life and usability of an electronic device.

Though the device itself does not have user replaceable parts, the battery is replaceable through Apple, and economically sound as long as everthing else is functioning properly and it meets the users needs.

Apple charges $99 to have the iPad's battery replaced (add $6.95 for shipping if not having it done in person at an Apple store).

With 1000 full charge cycles @ >80% original capacity, the iPad's battery should last an average user at least 3 years; by then many of us will have upgraded our iPads, however, it's nice to know that the battery should not only outlast our own use for the device, it's replaceable for a reasonable price if desired.

Charge Cycles
A properly maintained iPad battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 1000 full charge and discharge cycles. You may choose to replace your battery when it no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs.

Apple - Batteries - Battery Replacement

 

[iPadCharlie]

The "life cycle" seems to be a bit shorter with the mobile devices. I have 2 iPod Touches, a 1st generation and a 2nd generation. While they both still work, the highest level of iOS for the first generation unit is 3.1.3. And even though the 2nd generation unit will take iOS 4.2.1, it will not do multi-tasking although it will do folders.

Sooner or later, the 1st generation iPad will become obsolete. With a battery life of approximately 1000 cycles, this would mean that the iPad should remain functional for at least 4-5 years by which time technology will offer us all sorts of new platforms that we just gotta have!

 

[Hal05154]

The "life cycle" seems to be a bit shorter with the mobile devices. I have 2 iPod Touches, a 1st generation and a 2nd generation. While they both still work, the highest level of iOS for the first generation unit is 3.1.3. And even though the 2nd generation unit will take iOS 4.2.1, it will not do multi-tasking although it will do folders.

Sooner or later, the 1st generation iPad will become obsolete. With a battery life of approximately 1000 cycles, this would mean that the iPad should remain functional for at least 4-5 years by which time technology will offer us all sorts of new platforms the we just gotta have!

Gotta agree with you on this one. Planned obsolescence at it's finest!

 

[Mbspears]

While everyone here is supplying reasonable observations, be careful with your question. There is a difference between support (we can fix it and expect it to work just as when we purchased it) and ability to upgrade (get new features through firmware and expect it to work similar to a newer model. For support, you have no worries at all. Apple is good about supporting their hardware. Apple has been fairly generous with free firmware upgrades as well, but you shouldn't expect a model to receive upgrades for 5 years. The newer hardware will be required to support the latest features (e.g. Multi-tasking didn't work well on iphone models prior to the 3GS. We shouldn't be mad about that -- it's the same reason all of our DVD players didn't magically upgrade in to BluRay players.

 

[speedlever]

Good info. Thanks all.

 

[speedlever]

I just stumbled across this. Does Apple really charge for firmware updates after the first one?