Getting back to the OP...
I tend to agree. Going from Landlines to cellphones was a giant technological leap. Cell phones being able to text was a technological step up. The Smart Phone (internet, camera, and a variety of apps) was another giant leap.
Now, the only things the manufacturers and providers can offer is incremental improvements. Better cameras, more storage, more apps, etc. Same with computers.
And same with the software. I often think that they change the "user experience" simply to justify the "It's New and Improved !!!"* Pricing. SO you have the time sink of new learning curve to figure out the "features" that you used to use. And look at your phone. How many features do you on a fairly consistent (say daily, or at least weekly) basis. Probably a dozen of so ?? There may be a couple of others that you might go to, but then you do only one or two things that app offers. I have 10 "apps" on the main screen of my phone that I use on at least a once a week basis, yet, there at 120 apps on "Apps" screens that are also in my phone, I've only ever used three of the 120.
So in addition to the re-learning curve of "improved" programs, there's also all the bloatware that needs to be turned off or at least re-set so it doesn't interfere with trying to get other things done. (e.g. I don't need the constant FB notifications every time one of my friends likes or posts anything....)
My son tried to technology shame me when I got my "new" phone. It's a Kyocera E-6560. It's a re-furb and about 3 years past the bleeding edge.% Which was fine by me. I'm not taking Oleg or Monkeyleg quality pics. I'm taking pictures for me and/or to share on FB.& It does what I need want it to do. I offered to put my son on my phone plan when the contract his mother had for his phone expired. For reasons I can't understand#, before the contract expired she went out and got him (on $$$ lease terms) the latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy phone.
Anyway, "newer" isn't always better. Redesigning something just to milk consumers for cash is not a good long term strategy, as it pisses off your customer(s) base. As Apple is finding out with the iPhone X. (I heard that sales are either 10 or 35 million units below projections, I disremember the exact number as the radio news guy reported on the dramatic fall in Apple's stock price...)
*- Yes, I know it can either be "new" or "improved", but they tend to change so much that it often is something completely new from what it previously was.
%- A friend of mine worked for a leading edge technology company. They were often on what he referred to as the "Bleeding Edge". The company eventually imploded because as he pointed out, being on the bleeding edge meant that you often found yourself bleeding.
&- Although I often say "That would have been a great pic." after the moment has passed, and my phone is still in my pocket...
#- I know the "why", but I don't understand her logic...well, lack thereof.
