Apple's product obsolescence is not a cynical market decision, but a business necessity

Letter to the editor of the NY Times magazine, 11-17-13

"As a software developer for many years, I have noticed that product obsolescence — which Catherine Rampell wrote about with regard to Apple products — is not a cynical market decision, but a business necessity that applies equally to Android and other products. It’s a consequence of intense competition and consumer appetite for new features. Software vendors must add new functionality as fast as the hardware improvements and innovations allow; otherwise their products will lose market share. Since the new functionality depends on the hardware improvements, the older hardware will necessarily gradually become incompatible. ANDERS PYTTE, Washington, Vt., posted on nytimes.com"