> It's not like Apple is refining the 4S and coming out with new versions of those devices.
Actually, they are. You think the BOM hasn't changed? You think it's the exact same components being shipped from the exact same suppliers?
The specifications are the same, but the components are newly manufactured. I'm sure the BOM has rev'd. It's a mistake not to consider phones as part of their lineup which you can buy new, just because they have lesser specs and were initially released a few years ago.
I think this is an important part of Apple's strategy, which comes specifically from the way they maintain iOS, which other vendors have largely missed out on.
Actually, they are. You think the BOM hasn't changed? You think it's the exact same components being shipped from the exact same suppliers?
The specifications are the same, but the components are newly manufactured. I'm sure the BOM has rev'd. It's a mistake not to consider phones as part of their lineup which you can buy new, just because they have lesser specs and were initially released a few years ago.
I think this is an important part of Apple's strategy, which comes specifically from the way they maintain iOS, which other vendors have largely missed out on.