Dear Tim Cook,

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our concern over Apple’s recent decision to discontinue support for the Apple Watch Series 4 with the release of watchOS 11, and to address the premature end of support for the Apple Watch Series 5, which was launched alongside the iPhone 11. As loyal Apple customers who have invested in these models, we believe these decisions are both premature and inconsistent with Apple's commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship.

The Apple Watch Series 4, launched in 2018, remains a highly capable device. Many of us chose this model for its advanced features, including the ECG and enhanced health monitoring capabilities. We were assured that our investment would be supported with meaningful updates for a reasonable period. However, the decision to end support after just five years is disheartening.

Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 5, launched in 2019 alongside the iPhone 11, is also facing a premature end to its support. This model, which introduced features like the always-on display, is now being left behind in software updates just a few years after its release, raising concerns about the overall support lifecycle for Apple’s wearable devices.

We would like to highlight the following concerns:

Consistency across products: The Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5, along with their respective iPhones (iPhone XS and iPhone 11), were released in 2018 and 2019. While their iPhone counterparts continue to receive iOS updates, the Apple Watch models are being left behind. This inconsistency in support for devices launched in the same years as their iPhone counterparts undermines customer trust and feels unfair.
Hardware capabilities: Both the Series 4 and Series 5 remain powerful devices with capable hardware. We believe that watchOS 11 could be optimized to run effectively on these models, providing users with continued access to important features without compromising performance.
Customer loyalty: Many customers invested in the Series 4 and Series 5 with the expectation of a longer support cycle. Discontinuing updates prematurely can lead to frustration and a sense of being undervalued by Apple, potentially harming the strong brand loyalty that Apple has built over the years.
Environmental impact: Apple has made significant commitments towards sustainability, with the Apple 2030 program aiming to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and products by 2030. Encouraging customers to replace their devices sooner than necessary contributes to electronic waste and contradicts this environmental goal. Extending support for the Series 4 and Series 5 aligns with Apple’s commitment to reducing e-waste and promoting a circular economy.
Alignment with Apple’s values: Extending the support for the Series 4 and Series 5 would demonstrate Apple’s commitment to both customer satisfaction and its 2030 environmental goals. By doing so, Apple would reinforce its dedication to creating long-lasting products and minimizing its environmental footprint.
We urge Apple to reconsider its decision and extend support for the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 by providing them with watchOS 11. Doing so would not only align with your environmental goals but also show your commitment to customer loyalty and fairness.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that you will take our concerns seriously. Thank you for considering our petition.

Sincerely,

Albert and fellow Apple Customers