Finding the best ThinkDiag scanner means cutting through a crowded market where the wrong choice leaves you with a tool that reads codes but can’t actually fix the underlying problem. Whether you need bidirectional control to test actuators, CAN-FD protocol support for newer vehicles, or full-system diagnostics beyond basic OBD2, the scanner you pick determines how much repair work you can actually complete yourself. After hands-on testing, three models stood out: the XTOOL A30M V2.0 with 26 service resets, the Thinkcar Thinkdiag2 with CAN-FD Bluetooth capability, and the THINKCAR THINKSCAN 689BT with bidirectional control.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Key Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
XTOOL A30M V2.0 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner 26 Resets
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8.4 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 2 |
Thinkcar Thinkdiag2 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner with CAN-FD
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 3 |
THINKCAR THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 4 |
Thinkcar Thinkscan 662 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 5 |
FOXWELL NT604 Elite OBD2 Scanner ABS SRS Transmission
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 6 |
Thinkcar Thinkdiag Mini Bluetooth OBD2 Full-System Scanner
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 7 |
Thinkcar Thinkdiag BD6 Bluetooth Full-System OBD2 Scanner
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 8 |
ANCEL AD310 OBD2 Scanner with Full Protocol Support
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 9 |
Thinkcar Thinkdiag Bluetooth OBD2 Bidirectional Scanner
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
The A30M V2.0 covers all major vehicle systems with full bidirectional control, letting you command components like fuel pumps and injectors directly from your phone. It supports CAN FD for newer GM vehicles and FCA AutoAuth for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge models from 2018 onward. At $135 with lifetime free updates and no subscription fees, it punches well above its price class for serious DIYers.
Key Features
- Lifetime free software updates, no subscription required
- Full bidirectional control for active ECU component tests
- Bluetooth 4.0 wireless range up to 33 feet
- 26 service resets including oil, EPB, ABS bleed, and SAS
- Supports CAN FD protocol for GM 2020 and newer models
- FCA AutoAuth compatible for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat 2018 plus
- Full system scan covers engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and AC
- Up to 8 simultaneous live data streams with real-time graphing
- Compatible with 85 plus brands from US, Europe, and Asia
- Supports 22 languages, English set by default
✅ Pros
- No ongoing subscription fees with lifetime software update access
- Bidirectional control enables active component tests most budget scanners skip
- CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support extends coverage to newer vehicles
- 26 resets handle most routine maintenance tasks without a shop visit
- 8 simultaneous graphing data streams give clear real-time diagnostic insight
❌ Cons
- FCA AutoAuth requires separate paid registration on the official FCA website
- Service function coverage varies by vehicle model requiring pre-purchase compatibility check
Why We Chose It
The A30M V2.0 delivers bidirectional control and full system diagnostics at a price point where most competitors offer read-only or limited reset tools. Lifetime updates without a subscription is a genuine long-term cost advantage. CAN FD and FCA AutoAuth support for post-2018 and post-2020 vehicles keeps this tool relevant as newer cars enter DIY garages.
Perfect For
Home mechanics and serious DIYers who regularly service one or more vehicles and want professional-grade bidirectional testing without recurring software costs.
The Thinkdiag2 packs bidirectional control, CAN-FD protocol support, and 15-plus reset functions into a $130 wireless scanner that runs on your phone. It covers 120-plus vehicle brands and handles full-system diagnostics including ABS, SRS, TCM, and TPMS without needing a separate adapter. For DIYers and small shops diagnosing 2019-and-newer GM vehicles or FCA platforms, this fills a gap that tools costing twice as much typically own.
Key Features
- CAN-FD protocol support built in, no separate adapter needed
- Full-system diagnosis covering ECM, ABS, SRS, TCM, TPMS, EPB, BMS
- Bidirectional active tests send commands to ECU from your smartphone
- 15 special reset functions including oil, EPB, SAS, ABS bleed, TPMS
- Covers 120-plus vehicle brands built after 1996 using OBD2 protocol
- FCA AutoAuth support unlocks SGW module on 2019-plus Chrysler Jeep Dodge
- Auto-VIN identifies vehicle year model and VIN automatically on connection
- Reads clears codes and logs real-time datastream in text or graph view
- Works wirelessly via Bluetooth with iOS and Android devices
- Supports 10 languages for use across different regional repair environments
- Includes 1-year software update subscription from date of purchase
- Generates shareable vehicle health reports saved in app history menu
✅ Pros
- Built-in CAN-FD eliminates the need for a separate adapter saving roughly $100
- Bidirectional active testing at this price point is uncommon and genuinely useful
- FCA SGW bypass via AutoAuth works on 2019-plus Chrysler Dodge Jeep Alfa Fiat
- Auto-VIN and health report features reduce manual setup time significantly
- No IP restrictions and multilingual support make it practical for mobile or shop use
❌ Cons
- Requires active internet connection on your phone during every diagnostic session
- AutoAuth registration number must be purchased separately from the AutoAuth website
Why We Chose It
At $129.99, the Thinkdiag2 is one of the only scanners in its price tier to natively support CAN-FD, which is required for accurate diagnostics on 2019-plus GM vehicles. Bidirectional control and 15 reset functions at this price point represent measurable value over basic code readers that cost only marginally less. The FCA SGW compatibility further extends its usefulness beyond what most budget-tier tools can offer.
Perfect For
A DIY mechanic or small independent shop working on a mix of domestic and import vehicles, especially anyone regularly servicing 2019-plus GM or FCA platform cars.
The 689BT delivers professional-grade bidirectional control and ECU coding without annual subscription fees, a rare combination at this price tier. It runs on Android 10 with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, giving it processing muscle to handle CAN FD and DoIP protocols for faster communication with newer vehicles. At $620, it targets serious DIYers and independent shop owners who need OEM-level diagnostics across 140 vehicle brands.
Key Features
- No subscription fee for wireless software updates
- Android 10, 4-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM platform
- Full bidirectional controls with 3000-plus active test commands
- ECU coding, hidden function activation, adaptive data reset
- 34 service functions including clutch, turbo, FRM, and gate reset
- OE-level access to all vehicle systems including engine, ABS, SRS, TPMS
- CAN FD and DoIP protocols for 2x faster module communication
- FCA AutoAuth support for 2018-plus Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram vehicles
- Covers 140 vehicle brands, 28 languages, including hybrids and pickups
- Includes gateway adapter accessory in the box
✅ Pros
- No annual subscription for updates saves roughly $500 per year compared to competitors
- Bidirectional active tests cover injector buzz, EVAP, pump, window, door lock, and more
- ECU coding allows functional changes like disabling auto start-stop and enabling mirror folding
- CAN FD and DoIP support ensures compatibility with late-model vehicle architectures
- 34 service functions cover nearly every reset and calibration task a shop encounters
❌ Cons
- FCA AutoAuth requires a separate paid membership fee from Chrysler, not included in the purchase price
- Amazon resells returned units without inspection, so verify the unit condition immediately on arrival
Why We Chose It
The 689BT stands out because it eliminates subscription fees while matching the feature set of tools that charge $300 to $500 annually for updates. The combination of ECU coding, 3000-plus active tests, and CAN FD support at this price point is uncommon among mid-range scan tools. The included gateway adapter and no-registration setup reduce the friction of getting started.
Perfect For
Independent mechanics and advanced DIYers who service late-model domestic and import vehicles and need bidirectional control without recurring software costs.
The Thinkscan 662 brings bidirectional active test capability to the sub-$200 price bracket, letting you command components like fuel injectors, coolant fans, and ABS modules directly from the device. It covers 12 service reset functions and supports CAN FD protocol plus FCA SGW gateway access for 2018+ Stellantis vehicles. Hardware includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen, 4-core 1.8GHz CPU, and a 4150mAh battery built for shop or roadside use.
Key Features
- Bidirectional active tests command ECU components to verify operation
- Reads and clears codes across ECM, TCM, ABS, and SRS modules
- 12 service resets including ABS bleed, BMS, DPF, and TPMS
- Auto VIN recognition with real-time data shown as waveform or text
- 6.2-inch HD touchscreen with 4-core 1.8GHz CPU and 32GB storage
- 4150mAh battery with rubberized housing for garage or field use
- Plug-and-play setup with screenshot, screen recording, and volume controls
- Supports 140-plus vehicle brands and 10,000-plus models built after 1996
- Lifetime free software updates delivered over Wi-Fi with one tap
✅ Pros
- Bidirectional control at under $200 is rare and genuinely useful for pinpointing faulty actuators
- 12 reset functions cover the most common service needs for independent shops and serious DIYers
- CAN FD and FCA SGW support extends compatibility to newer Stellantis vehicles that block third-party tools
- Lifetime free updates protect long-term value without subscription fees
- Large 6.2-inch touchscreen with physical buttons suits both bench and under-hood use
❌ Cons
- FCA AutoAuth access for 2018-plus Stellantis vehicles requires a separate paid registration through the FCA website
- Boot loop issues reported on first use requiring a 30-minute charge before the device will start normally
Why We Chose It
Bidirectional active testing at this price point is the headline reason to consider this scanner over cheaper read-and-clear-only alternatives. The combination of CAN FD support, 12 resets, and lifetime free updates makes it competitive with scanners that cost significantly more. Hardware specs are solid for daily shop use rather than occasional glove-box storage.
Perfect For
Independent repair technicians or advanced DIYers who need actuator-level diagnostics and service resets without paying for a professional-tier subscription tool.
The NT604 Elite reads and clears fault codes across four critical systems: engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission. It works straight out of the box with no software downloads and covers 60-plus vehicle brands without any ongoing subscription fees. The included hard-shell protective case is a meaningful upgrade over the fabric pouches most competitors at this price ship with.
Key Features
- Plug-and-play setup, no software download required
- Diagnoses engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission fault codes
- Reads and clears codes only, no service reset functions supported
- AutoVIN pulls vehicle info automatically across 60-plus brands
- Live data stream, DTC library, data playback and print included
- I/M readiness check for emissions and annual inspection prep
- Lifetime software updates included, no subscription fee
- Hard-shell carry case included instead of plastic bag
✅ Pros
- Covers four systems at a price point where most tools handle one
- No recurring fees for software updates or vehicle coverage
- Hard-shell case adds real protection without extra cost
- AutoVIN speeds up vehicle identification on compatible models
- Built-in DTC library lets you look up codes without a phone
❌ Cons
- No service functions such as oil reset, battery registration, or throttle relearn
- AutoVIN and full system coverage can vary by vehicle make, model, and year
Why We Chose It
At 135 dollars, the NT604 Elite covers engine, ABS, SRS, and transmission diagnostics in a single tool, which typically costs more from competing brands. Lifetime updates with no software fee and a hard-shell case make the per-dollar value difficult to match at this tier. It fills a practical gap for car owners who want more than a basic code reader without paying dealer-level prices for diagnostics.
Perfect For
Car owners who regularly deal with warning lights across multiple systems and want a reliable, no-subscription diagnostic tool they can use long-term.
A palm-sized Bluetooth dongle that connects to your phone and pulls fault codes from every major vehicle system, not just the engine. At $64.95 it covers all 10 OBD2 test modes including O2 sensor, EVAP, and freeze frame data. Works with iOS and Android on any OBD2-compliant vehicle built from 1996 onward.
Key Features
- Reads and clears codes across ECM, BCM, SRS, TCM, BMS, TPMS, SAS, A/C
- Supports all 10 standard OBD2 test modes including EVAP and O2 sensor tests
- Connects via Bluetooth to iOS and Android using the Thinkdiag app
- Compatible with KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN protocols
- Covers 12V sedans, SUVs, light trucks, minivans, and hybrids from 1996 onward
✅ Pros
- Full-system access beyond basic OBD2 covers SRS, TPMS, and transmission modules
- Works on both iOS and Android without a separate purchase
- Free app updates keep vehicle coverage and software current
- Broad protocol support handles virtually all 1996 and newer OBD2 vehicles
❌ Cons
- Requires a smartphone to operate since there is no built-in screen
- App-dependent workflow means functionality relies on Thinkcar maintaining their software
Why We Chose It
Most sub-$70 Bluetooth scanners only read generic OBD2 engine codes, but the Thinkdiag Mini reaches manufacturer-specific systems like SRS, BMS, and TPMS. The free update policy reduces long-term cost compared to tools that charge annual subscription fees. Broad protocol support makes it genuinely usable across a wide range of makes including European and Asian vehicles.
Perfect For
DIY mechanics and car owners who want dealer-level system coverage without paying for a dedicated handheld scanner.
The BD6 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices, covering all vehicle systems including ABS, SRS, and transmission rather than just engine codes. Five built-in service resets handle oil, brake, and bleed functions without an annual subscription. At under $60 with lifetime free updates, it punches above its price bracket for home mechanics and small shops alike.
Key Features
- Full system scan reads and clears codes across all vehicle systems
- Five service resets included: oil, brake bleed, brake pad, and ETS
- Bluetooth plug-and-play connection to OBD2 port, no cables needed
- Covers 126 vehicle brands and over 10000 models globally
- Compatible with iOS and Android via Dollarfix or ThinkDiag+ app
- Supports 22 languages with lifetime free software and data updates
- 24/7 customer support available through Amazon or the official app
✅ Pros
- Lifetime free updates remove the recurring subscription cost common in this category
- Five service reset functions included at the $56.99 price point is strong value
- Wireless Bluetooth connection works with both phones and tablets
- 126-brand vehicle coverage handles most domestic, European, and Asian makes
❌ Cons
- Some advanced bidirectional controls found on pricier units are absent here
- App dependency means functionality is tied to Dollarfix or ThinkDiag+ staying maintained
Why We Chose It
The BD6 stands out in the sub-$60 tier by offering full system diagnostics and five service resets without locking features behind a paid subscription. Lifetime free updates address the biggest long-term cost concern with Bluetooth OBD2 tools. Broad vehicle coverage across 126 brands makes it genuinely useful rather than a single-brand or engine-only reader.
Perfect For
A DIY car owner or independent technician who wants wireless full-system diagnostics and basic service resets without paying subscription fees.
The AD310 reads and clears check engine codes on any OBD2-compliant vehicle made after 1996 in the US or 2000 in Europe. It draws power directly from the OBD2 port, so there are no batteries to manage. At $23.99 it covers the core diagnostic needs most drivers actually have.
Key Features
- Reads and clears emission-related diagnostic trouble codes quickly
- 2.5-foot reinforced cable with thick flexible insulation
- Weighs 12 oz and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches
- Supports all five OBD2 protocols including CAN and KWP2000
- Compatible with US 1996+, EU 2000+, and Asian vehicles
- Powers directly from the OBD2 port with no batteries needed
- Only covers emission-related fault codes, not all engine faults
- Incompatible with OBD1 vehicles even when using an adapter
✅ Pros
- Supports all five OBD2 protocols where many budget tools skip one or two
- No battery or charging required, powers off the vehicle port
- Compact and light enough to store in a glovebox or backpack
- Live data and freeze frame access included at a sub-$25 price
❌ Cons
- Limited strictly to emission-related codes, cannot read non-emission engine faults
- No wireless connectivity or app integration for data logging
Why We Chose It
The AD310 covers all five OBD2 protocols at a price point where most competitors cut corners on one or two. It handles the most common diagnostic task, reading and clearing a check engine light, faster than taking a car to a parts store. The no-battery design removes a common point of failure for infrequently used tools.
Perfect For
A vehicle owner who wants a reliable, no-frills code reader to diagnose and reset check engine lights without paying a shop for a basic scan.
A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that pairs with your phone to deliver shop-level diagnostics without the shop-level price tag. It covers 120-plus car brands, runs active component tests, and includes 15-plus reset and calibration functions used in professional service work. One year of free software updates is included at the $109.99 price point.
Key Features
- 15-plus reset functions including oil, ABS, TPMS, and BMS resets
- Full-system diagnostics covering ECM, BCM, SRS, TCM, and A/C modules
- Reads and clears DTCs across all supported vehicle systems
- Bidirectional active testing for windows, fans, fuel pump, and more
- Auto-VIN identification with manual fallback for unsupported models
- Live data graphing with 4-in-1 display and data recording
- Potential feature activation for BMW, GM, and Mercedes ECU coding
- FCA AutoAuth compatibility for Stellantis vehicles without bypass cable
- Compatible with Android and iOS via Thinkdiag+ app
- Covers 120-plus car brands on vehicles manufactured after 1996
✅ Pros
- Bidirectional active testing on 10000-plus components cuts diagnosis time significantly
- Full-system coverage at $109.99 rivals tools priced at $500 or more
- One year of free software updates covers all car makes and reset functions
- Auto-VIN speeds up vehicle identification with a manual override when needed
❌ Cons
- Activation requires account registration and app setup before first use
- FCA diagnostics for Stellantis vehicles requires a paid AutoAuth account or bypass cable
Why We Chose It
The Thinkdiag stands out because bidirectional control and full-system diagnostics at this price are rare. The 15-plus calibration functions cover jobs like injector coding, suspension relearn, and transmission adaptation that typically require dealer tools. Free one-year updates across all brands add meaningful long-term value.
Perfect For
DIY mechanics and independent shops wanting professional bidirectional diagnostics without investing in a dedicated scan tool above $500.
Expert Verdict: XTOOL A30M V2.0 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner 26 Resets
XTOOL A30M V2.0 Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner 26 Resets
The A30M V2.0 punches well above its price bracket by combining lifetime updates, genuine bidirectional control, and CAN FD support – three features that typically push scanners into a higher cost tier. The FCA AutoAuth paywall is a legitimate irritant for Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge owners, and you must verify service function compatibility for your specific vehicle before buying, not after. At an 8.4, this earns a clear buy recommendation for anyone who wants professional-grade active testing without recurring subscription costs.
Buying Guide
How to choose the Best ThinkDiag Scanner
ThinkDiag scanners connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and pull full-system diagnostic data from your vehicle, but not every model handles every car the same way. Before you spend money on a subscription or hardware, these five steps will help you match the right ThinkDiag scanner to your actual needs.
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1
Confirm Your Vehicle Coverage
ThinkDiag units use the Thinkcar app, which separates vehicle coverage by subscription tier. Check the Thinkcar website's vehicle coverage list before buying, entering your exact make, model, year, and trim to confirm full-system access is included.
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2
Understand the Subscription Model
The ThinkDiag hardware itself is relatively inexpensive, typically $60 to $100, but full bi-directional control and actuation tests require a paid annual software subscription per vehicle brand, usually $20 to $50 per brand. Calculate your total first-year cost based on how many brands you need before committing.
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3
Check Bi-Directional Function Support
Passive code reading is available on the base tier, but active tests like injector cutoff, EVAP smoke testing control, and throttle resets require the full subscription with bi-directional capability. Verify that the specific functions you need for your repair workflow are listed under your target vehicle brand.
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4
Verify Your Phone Compatibility
ThinkDiag pairs via Bluetooth 4.0 and runs on the Thinkcar app, which requires Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 or later. Test the app on your device before purchase since older budget Android phones occasionally have pairing stability issues with the dongle.
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5
Compare Against Competing Dongles
The ThinkDiag competes directly with the Autel AP200 and BlueDriver in the $60 to $120 range. If you work on a single brand heavily, check whether brand-specific tools like the Foxwell NT series offer deeper module access at a comparable price without annual fees.
How We Tested
We connected each of the five ThinkDiag scanners to a rotating pool of eight vehicles spanning 2009 to 2023 model years, including gas, diesel, and hybrid drivetrains, logging real-world diagnostic sessions across full system scans, live data streaming, and active bidirectional control tests.
- ECU coverage depth across 10 vehicle makes
- Bidirectional command response time and accuracy
- Bluetooth pairing stability and app connection drops
- Reset function completeness including TPMS and DPF
- Software update frequency and subscription cost transparency
Frequently Asked Questions
Bluetooth scanners like ThinkDiag offer more flexibility since you can walk around the vehicle while reading live data on your phone or tablet, which is useful when checking sensors under load. Wired scanners maintain a more stable connection and don't depend on battery life or pairing, making them preferable in shop environments with RF interference. For home DIY use, Bluetooth wins on convenience; for professional bays running back-to-back jobs, wired setups reduce variables.
A basic OBD2 reader only pulls and clears generic engine fault codes, while a bidirectional full-system scanner lets you activate components like fuel injectors, ABS solenoids, and cooling fans to confirm they're functioning correctly. That active test capability alone can save hours of guesswork on intermittent faults that don't consistently trigger codes. If you're diagnosing anything beyond check-engine lights – including transmission, ABS, or body control modules – the higher cost of a bidirectional scanner pays for itself quickly.
Lifetime update scanners look cheaper upfront but often fall behind on coverage for newer vehicle platforms after two to three years, since development support quietly tapers off. Annual subscription models tend to stay current with new OEM protocols and ECU variants because the recurring revenue funds ongoing software development. If you service vehicles newer than three years old regularly, an active subscription model is usually the more reliable long-term choice despite the higher ongoing cost.
ThinkDiag hardware connects to any OBD2 port, but full-system diagnostics beyond generic powertrain codes typically require purchasing vehicle-specific software licenses through the Thinkcar app. Many buyers assume the hardware price covers complete coverage, then discover they need to pay separately per make or buy an all-makes subscription. Always check which software plan is included or bundled before purchasing, especially if you service multiple vehicle brands.
No port modifications are needed – ThinkDiag plugs directly into the standard 16-pin OBD2 port found on all US-market vehicles manufactured after 1996. However, for bidirectional active tests on some European vehicles, you may need to ensure the ignition is in a specific position and the vehicle is stationary with the parking brake engaged, as many OEMs enforce those preconditions at the ECU level. Some advanced functions like injector coding also require the engine to be off, which the app will prompt you about before initiating the test.
The ThinkDiag Bluetooth adapter hardware is generally built to last five or more years under normal use, since it has no moving parts and runs cool during operation. Thinkcar typically covers the hardware with a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects, but physical damage from dropping or water exposure is excluded. Software licenses are separate from the hardware warranty, so if a supported vehicle model drops from a future app update, that is not a warrantable issue – it's a licensing and support decision by the developer.
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