Tech
How many updates does your phone have left? The longevity of Apple, Samsung, Pixel, and more phones explained
Smartphone manufacturers have committed to longer product support windows, but update lifespans vary widely by brand and model.
Key takeaways
- Apple promises a minimum of five years of security updates, but this does not guarantee iOS feature updates.
- Google supports all handsets from the Pixel 8 onwards for seven years.
- Samsung offers up to seven years of support for recent phones, but older and lower-end models get fewer updates.
- Motorola's update commitments are inconsistent, with support windows varying widely across its lineup.
Smartphone manufacturers have committed to longer product support windows, but update lifespans vary widely by brand and model. Under 2024 UK regulations, Apple now promises a minimum of five years of security updates, though iPhones typically see five to seven years of support. Samsung and Google offer up to seven years of support on their newest devices, while Motorola's update commitments remain inconsistent. Several popular older devices, including the iPhone 11 series, Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and Google Pixel 6 series, are scheduled to receive their final updates in 2026.
By the numbers
- 5 years
- Minimum security update support promised by Apple
- 7 years
- Maximum software support offered by Samsung and Google
How it unfolded
- UK regulations force Apple to outline minimum support windows
- Several older phone models approach their final software updates
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Common questions
- Where can I read the original report?
- Read the full report at techradar.
