Imagine that your smartphone, computer or tablet is like a big jigsaw puzzle. The operating system is the main piece that holds everything together. It allows your device to talk to software, such as Chomp and is the most important part of a device’s system.
Now, think about how your cold foods and produce have an expiration date. Operating systems have something similar. It's the date when the company that makes the operating system stops maintenance, fixing problems and releasing security updates.
If your operating system is too old, it might not work well with new apps and software, just like how some old cars can't use fancy new fuel. As technology gets more advanced, the operating system needs to be more powerful and capable to keep up, or it won't work with new apps or software. Eventually, new versions of software will not work with older operating systems and may also expose your device to security risks.
Whether you use a native app from Google Play or the App Store, or a progressive web app like Chomp, your operating system will need to be a certain version or newer to work properly.
Like computers, web browsers (which Chomp uses), like Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, also have versions. When these browsers get old, they stop working with new apps and software.
Technology moves quickly and our new Chomp Chef version 4 requires a modern browser and operating system to run all the new features effectively. Using a device that’s too old, would be like trying to bake macarons in an old oven.
The reality is that operating systems will age over time and your device will come to the end of its life, unable to cope with new software and technology.
Here's something you might not know: your Android tablet or Apple iPad has an expected life of about 3-5 years. Apple usually provides updates for their software for 5-6 years, and Samsung supports devices manufactured after 2019 for 4-5 years. It’s important to note, that when a company launches a new operating system, they usually stop supporting some of the older versions.
To enjoy all the new tech goodies, make sure your device's operating system is up to date!
P.S. If you want to nerd out and see what versions work on what devices, head to these links for Apple iOS and Chrome device compatibility.