i disagree. The theft deterrence feature that apple offer is actually useful and does what it says - deter theft.

I anticipate the opposite happening because devices are becoming more powerful and more power efficient. I own a PS Vita - this is 2012 hardware - and it holds up very well. granted, this is the exception to the rule but there is no reason why an iphone 12 (for example) cannot be repurposed down the line. the hardware is good enough and fairly durable.