Company Forces Processor Upgrades to Newer Devices

The push to upgrade aging technology is intensifying, with both Microsoft and Apple taking steps that effectively compel users to adopt newer devices and software. While framed as necessary for security and innovation, these moves are sparking debate about consumer choice and the economic impact of forced obsolescence.

Microsoft Faces Legal Challenge Over Windows 10 Support

Microsoft is currently embroiled in a lawsuit alleging it intentionally ended support for Windows 10 to force users to upgrade to Windows 11 and, by extension, embrace its artificial intelligence offerings. The suit, filed by Windows 10 user Lawrence Klein, argues that approximately 240 million computers are unable to run Windows 11, and Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support is a tactic to drive hardware sales. Today, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee – $30 for one year of security updates, extending support to October 2026 – or allows users to sync their Windows Backup to OneDrive or redeem Microsoft Rewards points for a year of updates. Klein contends these options should have been offered for free and remain available until Windows 10 becomes less widely used.

The lawsuit highlights a critical point: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support despite the operating system still powering 43% of worldwide desktop computers as of July 2025, according to Statcounter data. While Windows 11 overtook Windows 10 in usage last month, a significant portion of the user base remains on the older OS. The complaint alleges Microsoft’s strategy is designed to push users towards new hardware capable of running its generative AI software, such as Copilot, which is bundled with Windows 11.

This isn’t the first warning about Microsoft’s approach. January 2025 saw Microsoft explain that feature updates are crucial for both functionality and security, implicitly justifying the push towards newer versions. However, the legal challenge suggests this justification is viewed by some as a pretext for driving sales.

Apple Discontinues Older iPhones, Prioritizing AI Capabilities

Meanwhile, Apple is taking a different, but related, approach. The company has decided to discontinue support for three older iPhone models, signaling a clear prioritization of devices equipped to handle its latest features, including those related to artificial intelligence. While Apple hasn’t explicitly linked the discontinuation to AI capabilities, the timing suggests a strategic alignment with a future focused on AI-powered features.

The Broader Economic Impact of Device Hoarding

These actions by Microsoft and Apple occur against a backdrop of growing concern about “device hoarding” and its impact on the economy. A recent report by the Federal Reserve concluded that each additional year companies delay upgrading equipment results in a productivity decline of approximately one-third of a percent. Investment patterns account for roughly 55% of the productivity gaps observed between advanced economies.

The trend of consumers and businesses holding onto devices for longer periods is becoming increasingly prevalent. The average American now keeps a smartphone for 29 months, up from around 22 months in 2016, according to a survey by Reviews.org. While saving money in the short term, this practice can lead to a “costly productivity and innovation lag” for the economy, particularly when it occurs at the corporate level.

Heather Mitchell, a retired resident of Tucson, Arizona, exemplifies this consumer behavior. She continues to use a six-year-old Samsung Galaxy A71, despite experiencing minor issues, simply because she cannot afford a new phone. Her situation highlights the financial barriers that prevent many consumers from upgrading, even when their devices are aging.

Partial Upgrades as a Potential Solution

The issue isn’t simply about forcing upgrades to entirely new devices. Some industry observers suggest a more nuanced approach could mitigate the negative consequences of device hoarding. A report from CNBC notes the possibility of “partial upgrades” – for example, upgrading ethernet communications without requiring a complete device replacement. This approach could allow for incremental improvements in functionality and security without imposing the full cost of a new device on consumers and businesses.

The moves by Microsoft and Apple, coupled with the broader economic concerns surrounding device obsolescence, raise important questions about the balance between innovation, security, and consumer choice. While companies argue that upgrades are necessary for progress, the potential for forced obsolescence and its impact on productivity and affordability remain significant challenges.