[confucious]

If you want to introduce new features at some point the file format has to change to accommodate those new features.
Believe it or not, most new releases are an improvement on the previous release.
MS released the reader for people to view office 2007 docs if they didn't have Office 2007. Maybe Apple should have learned from them and done the same but, ultimately, Apple want people to upgrade.
Getting the new features right without alienating the existing user base is always a challenge.
I don't use a MAC so this doesn't affect me - but I was affected by the Office 2007 change (I still have to think to save in older versionms where necessary) but that's progress!

[uberfu]

I really hate to burst everyone's bubble here that are complaining about backwards compatibility - BUT many other companies do this with the newer versions of Software_

For example Adobe_ If you buy a CS4 suite_ Design Premium for example_ And you open Illustrator_ Then create a file and goto save it_ By Default it will save it as a CS4 Format_ There are options to save is as a CS3 File or a CS2 File_ If you want to or want someone else to be able to open the Illustrator File in an older version - you have to compensate for this or when you goto open the CS4 version in an older App it will ***** at you and portions of the File will not be compatible_ You will lose formatting and styles and much more_

People simply need to read thru and learn about new stuff that they acquire_ Software companies are not required to and should not have to maintain portals to legacy coding and formats simply because of user reluctance to progress_ hte way Micosoft does for stuff all the way back to DOS_ This leaves security exploits open and invitations for problems and trouble_ Someone that buys new software should read thru the new features - preferably before they purchase it_ But if not then definitely prior to replacing it as their daily primary App_ And if it has seperated out backwards compatibility from current formatting it's their responsibility to compensate for this_ Not the software company's_ Otherwise they shouldn't have bought it in the first place_ And be happy that these companies bother to include previous formats as an option to begin with - they could just as easily leave them out_

Besides - there isn't an iWork '09 or iWork '08 format_ There are Pages '08 and Pages '09 formats_ As well as Numbers '08 and Numbers '09 and also Keynote '08 and Keynote '09 formatting_ There is an iWork.com_

[Cody Overcash]

There are usually independent converters/solutions out on the market shortly after this kind of thing. Sure you lose the extra formatting in documents etc (if the author actually utilized the new stuff) but such things allow the file to be used. The creators of the software should do it themselves (especially a company that "prides" themselves on how /easy/ their things are to use).

[kkiran]

Comeon Apple, how difficult is it to adapt open standards?

I meant : it is their own app for gods sake!

[crewxp]

Originally Posted by GenNove

I have a question how old are some of you?

Or better do people actually I mean ACTUALLY believe apple cares about its users? I question the validity when companies spend billions of dollars to make you believe they are on your side. @ the end of the day
APPLE is a company after profit ,power and cash flow. To think that Steve
is here to attend to user requests is absurd.

If that were the case then we would not have such a closed monopolized ecosystem within apple. And I highly doubt that apple is making such drsatic moves without consulting with Steve. I mean he' been out for what a month and you people honestly think he does not have anything to do with decisions? Like he is just going to let COOK botch his "vision" in a months time?

Come on get real everythign coming to light is what was already in line for apple. I am 100% sure that apple did not out of the blue one day said. HEY JAILBRAKING IS ILEGAL. Just like I doubt that out of the blue one day they said no backwards compatibility for iwork. IS ALL PLANNED. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT THING.

I remember when office 2007 came out mac users were like leave it to microsoft to do such a thing. Now I am reading those same mac users using excuses to justify the action.

I also agree...

People here fail to realize how the business world works. Most people use macs because they're 'easier' to use, simpler. I guess mac users don't like complicated things? Well there is a world outside your simplistic life.

And to justify by calling it 'copying' microsoft... Really? You can open docx files in old office... you just download a converter from their website. It's not hard...

Lots of other companies do this too, and its done for a reason. Broaden your view people.. if you like apple so much, buy the new product..