++ the future of Microsoft Lumia mobile phones ++

Break them up for what? As much as I am for less Corporate influence, there is simply no reason to break them up. If Microsoft wasn't broken up in the 90's, there is no way these companies will be. 

Ios is trash as a viable solution for Microsoft. Good luck convincing Tim Cook to allow a launcher. 

Agree to disagree then, but yea Microsoft picking IOS over android is pretty much impossible.

I do have a question though, how long can I hang onto my Lumia 950 xl I just bought if it last 5 or more years before it has issues for wear and use? Especially if I bought another before they become hard to get. Like in 2028 will my Lumia still be able to receive service?

How exactly is Google evil? Give examples.

Ever shop at Walmart? Guess what? It caused more businesses to fail than Amazon.  If you really want to see what killed off small stores, start with the interstate highway system

I'm gonna ignore the highway system thing, but Walmart has many, many competitors, Meijer's, Publix, Giant Eagle, Cosco, and Kroger. Then Best Buy, Target, and more. But guess what? Amazon is hurting all of them, plus all the Malls in the US, I see malls struggling where I live. Kroger is worried about amazon hurting them, I know cause I work there.

Also google being evil is my opinion and I'd rather not debate about that or my reasons for it.

But back to my last question, how long can I hold on to my Lumia 950 xl? 2030?

• smartphones, which maintain their functionality for at least 5 years have to be considered sustainable & resistant devices ++ I really hope that you can perform the #10yearChallenge with your Lumia ++ once I have compared Microsoft Lumia to the International Space Station, which is formed from modules ++ I think many essential features of a Lumia phone can resist beyond 2021 ++ official monthly security & non-security updates support (as it stands now) will be available only through December 2019 & backups will work at least until March 2020 ++ there are good chances that important apps will be in top shape at least through 2020 ++ obviously you will need backup batteries, because these will weaken after 3 years of usage (it is like a trip to a distant planet & hopefully it is not an one way ticket & it is better than to the moon & back) ++ making phone calls, messaging, taking photos & videos, surfing the net, learning, getting news & being on top of events it is certainly possible with Microsoft Lumia even after 10 years ++ Windows Phone Lumia Denim 8.1s are still functional (support has ended more than 2 years ago) & I have spotted also Windows Phone 7s still running ++

++ some developers are trying to install & run full Windows 10 ARM on Lumia devices & they may get a breakthrough ++

++ if this was a case study & I should decide what action to take from the company's perspective : well, then I would roll out an even better Windows Mobile OS & would upgrade to that all devices running the Anniversary Update 1607 (or at least version 1709) & bring to the market new updated devices for the Windows Mobile Community & would begin a slow, but steady process to be the most important mobile device for Windows users ++

++ it is very important for the company to get the continuity issue right, because if they give up, it will be more difficult to convince users later in time (if some day, maybe under a new leadership they want to come back into the market) ++ I am convinced that, if the present leadership wants to learn from mistakes, they can do a better job than in the past & be successful ++