I don't want them to be removed. I am just stating that for future new features, old phones should not have them in the os update. The biggest problem now is that those who have the xs max won't upgrade for 3-4 years. Apple will have to release a MAJOR overhaul to sell phones next year.
Apple already releases exclusive features only to the newer models. This year among other things with the hardware improvements, it's Smart HDR and stereo recording, but it's an incremental update for a yearly update anyway. iP4 to 4S gave people Siri and that was very minor at best.
Even if you don't get all the new "features" of the new models, what difference will it really make? You can make calls, check your emails, use iMessage or text people, snap photos, use apps, play games, watch movies, browse the internet, from the same device. Smartphone technology has plateaued and with the higher prices, people aren't as excited to purchase phones anyway. A $300 Moto Z3 Play smartphone can essentially perform most of the main functions of a $1000+ smartphone reliably. It actually can do things iOS can't too (many of us purchase iPhones though since we prefer the Apple ecosystem and have invested lots of $ into it over the years).
Apple always adds software features not available to older models, that's why I asked you what features people are receiving that are stopping people from upgrading.
It's still up to Apple to bring some revolutionary feature to a new device to incentivize people to purchase. If the phone is out of budget reach or not justifiable, it's irrelevant too regardless of that "exclusivity" and feature.
