It is a shame. Their devices are not cheap. I've gotten 8+ yrs (so far) from them, so there is that. I have an old iPod touch that couldn't be updated for several years now. As long as it's plugged in, it plays my music, which is all I need from it.
PC's are less expensive, but in my experience don't last as long. And Windoze has always gone for extensive backward compatibility -- but it's a bogged down manure pile as a result.
I couldn't buy new devices anyway, but I really don't want to. I just need to get my work done.
I have a Germanic temper that's muted thanks to patience earned by necessity. I hear ya!