The "Expiration Date" of DAPs and Platform Update Woes

[peterinvan]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been reflecting on something that doesn’t always come up when discussing DAPs: their “expiration date.” By this, I mean how long they remain viable before platform updates—or the lack thereof—begin causing problems.

Some DAPs struggle with keeping up with app updates, streaming platform requirements, or even basic firmware support over time. It makes me wonder if these issues influence people’s decisions when purchasing a DAP.

For instance:
Do you consider how future-proof a DAP is? Have past experiences with outdated firmware or unsupported platforms affected your trust in certain brands?

Curious to hear your thoughts, I’m planning to buy my first DAP and this issue really comes in mind.

Thanks in advance.

I have enjoyed my FiiO M11 Pro for five years now. It's Android 7.0.
AKM4497EQ DAC and THX amps.

I play about 5 hours a week and more when travelling.

I hope Tidal or HiBy Music don't terminate their apps in the future like Tidal did with my old Apple 4 phone.

The battery is fine so far.

I use Aptx HD to stream to my B&W PX8s.

I use HiBy Music more than Tidal downloads when out of the house. HiBy Music offers excellent EQ functionality.

I would consider buying second hand.

 

[Diet Kokaine]

I've been using a heavily modded WM1A for the last 6 years. To my ears it still sounds better than anything new on the market. Changed the battery to a fresh one last week, and no android updates to worry about.
No bluetooth, no WIFI, no NFC nothing...
Just local high rez files.

I plan on keeping this DAP around for the next 10 years, maybe more if a better sounding one doesn't come around.

 

[clastorder]

I bought a Lotoo PAW6k this year secondhand. The player launched in 2019.

I like it more than any of my Android players. It's faster, more responsive, loads music quicker, and sounds damn good to boot. I like it so much I was tempted to in a moment of temporary insanity buy another one. But I guess I'll wait to see if they release a PAW7k.