[fnimick]

Why can't "low end OEMs" release security updates?

[devmor]

They can, it would likely just increase the cost of cheap devices to end users, as the manufacturer now has to provide additional software support and does not want to lose money.

[donkeybeer]

Why does the manufacturer of the phone have to write os upgrades?

I never had to wait on Dell to type apt update and apt upgrade.

[dabockster]

One could argue that those “cheap” devices are ewaste from the beginning, and customers needing lower cost mobile devices should be buying more expensive ones used or refurbished.

[donkeybeer]

Because they fucking suck. I never heard desktops or laptops being tied to Dell or Asus or what not for run of the mill kernel or os upgrades. If phone makers want to be fucking ass by locking down bootloaders, jealously preventing reversing etc preventing kernel devs etc from doing their own thing then they should accept the just label of being fucking ass or take on the responsibility of supporting it forever.