If  someone were to buy a new in box Maxi Sys  or DS708 , decide not to register and update it in order  to retain what  immobilizer functionality older software functions had, what is  the software level that is pre-installed on these tools when you open the box ? Does it vary widely by production date? Would software  likely be one year old software for the car makes if the tool was  built last year, or is the pre-installed software usually the same across the board at the very earliest level of the tool's introduction and absolutely require  updating?

 Thanks for the update on which version is the best.  You take a lot of time to work through the software and find what is best.

 I believe that each scanner has the latest software loaded when it was manufactured.  For example, if the scanner was made Jan, 2015 it will have the latest data at that time.

   I'm  thinking then,  that these things at build date may have  had software that was relatively current (but non-downgraded software )installed on them . Maybe if you know someone that wants a maxi sys  with some immobilizer functionality  of earlier software versions, then just don't register it and  leave the coverage as it comes  with. You would have to act fast and get a dealer to look and tell you the build date of the unit , to see if software likely be too old , too new (downgraded) , before  a mandatory software downgrade  recall is performed to all the unsold units .
  What scares me is  , all the expired units that still have OE capabilities and internet connection all day long , the downgrading could occur remotely and gradually  on our tools without our knowledge occurring and you would just find more listed OE security key programming functions  quit working.
   I'm thinking if  Autel loses in court  Launch and other make aftermarket scanner companies  will get scared lose what OE immobilizer key programming they offer too in the near  future.too  If it wasn't for Autel  Shaking up the industry , I doubt that Strap On software coverage would have evolved as much . Kinda like how HardlyDavidrizinSun  got scared out of the StoveHead era and evolved into a better product.

 Cant speak on the domestic stuff that much, but so far so good with Jaguar, Land Rover..BMW software seems to work ok...I haven't scanned a Audi in a while...The Merc issue with service reset I haven't seen a fix for it but someone sent me a previous software version so I deleted the latest Merc software. Did three BMW'S Saturday, and Tahoe... but I swapped to the Launch just to compare...they accessed same subsystems, and both came up with same codes...both identified the modules and read same PIDS..I am hoping I get  DODGE... I will keep everyone posted as I compare... I have BMW ISTA,GT1 ,INPA, OEM.. and JAGUAR DREWTECH JLR MONGOOSE for Jaguar and Rover. I use Ross Tech for Audi.. and older P38 Chassis I use RWS software. Autel needs to use these platforms as a canon to build,(not copy) the oem....I hope this shit gets fixed fast.

  Awesome, will try to get my tool close to these versions.

VAG (VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda) got a few important fixes as of late, but if anything else been cut out or is destroyed in the process, I have not found out yet.

Renault and other French cars; the code reading and live data was only recently fixed, so a bit older versions won't help you there. If I have the change to check even older editions I will and let you know.

Benz. Really hope they will have the support of the previous version back, together with the updates of the last. If so, you have a relative good one and you may want to stick to it for some time to cut out any risk. Still missing some important basics but I still need to check or older versions were any better on those functions.

  I agree, guys who do domestic need to attack this heads on and run multiple tests...I code,encode,program,reset and almost anything needed on some Euros...I hate that Jaguar wont allow full dealership coverage on some subs due to conflict of interest..If someone uses sdd 131 they would have full access to all modules .I use sdd 139 which will allow engine and tranny  only.I truly think Autel is lost and in order for it to be fixed we(techs) will have to educate them.So I hope you guys that work on FORD,GM,DODGE will accept this because it wont ever get right until someone leads them to the promise land lol....if they do not accept our help then as my father once said,"A hard head makes a soft ass" it will only harm them in the worst way..