Highlights

• Apple confirms at least 5 years of updates for iPhone 15 models.
• Google and Samsung offer 7 years of software support for flagship phones.
• iPhones typically receive around 6 years of updates in practice.
• Extended update commitments reduce environmental waste.

Apple is usually quite secretive about how many years of updates their iPhone models will get.

But the company revealed this time due to a UK law.

And interestingly, they promise fewer years than Google and Samsung.

At Least 5 Years for New iPhones

Now, Apple has confirmed that, as per an official filing, the company is going to deliver at least 5 years of software updates for the new iPhone 15 models that have been launched this year, in 2023.

This is specifically for important security updates that patch vulnerabilities and keep the phones secure.

So the iPhone 15 range is guaranteed to get updates until at least September 2028, as it has been launched in September 2023.

Apple might stop support after 5 years.

That’s actually below what a new batch of major Android brands offers.

Both Google and Samsung promise 7 years of software support for their flagship phones.

That’s not just security patches, but full operating system upgrades for 7 years.

Two years more than Apple’s guaranteed minimum.

But iPhones Could Get Updates Longer

That 5-year figure is just the minimum Apple has to provide under UK regulations, however.

In practice, iPhones normally only see software support cut off after a span of 5-6 years.

For example, with the recent release of iOS 17, the still-eligible iPhone XS of 2018 is 5 years old.

But the iPhone X from 2017 was cut off.

So in practice, iPhone users often get around 6 years of full updates before being dropped from support.

Not as long as Google and Samsung’s 7 year pledge, but better than Apple’s quoted 5 year minimum.

Android Could Catch Up

Sure, but that seven-year commitment from Google and Samsung isn’t actually so original.

Android makers historically have terribly underperformed when compared to Apple for OS updates.

But with better update commitment from the top brands, someday Android could even start matching or exceeding the actual life of iOS software support.

Longer Lives Are Better

At the end of the day, though, 5- to 7-year software support is good news for smartphone users.

It ensures the devices can remain in use without becoming obsolete for years and years before security and functionality become a problem.

Both Apple and Google should be applauded for pursuing this, as it cuts down on environmental waste from frequent device replacement.

Timely software updates are key to giving phones a long, productive lifespan.

FAQs

How many years of software updates will the iPhone 15 receive?

Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 15 models will receive at least 5 years of software updates, ensuring security and functionality until September 2028.

How does Apple’s update commitment compare to Google and Samsung?

Both Google and Samsung promise 7 years of software support for their flagship phones, including full operating system upgrades, which is two years more than Apple’s guaranteed minimum.

Do iPhones usually get updates longer than the minimum promised?

Yes, in practice, iPhones often receive around 6 years of full updates before support is cut off, slightly longer than Apple’s quoted 5-year minimum.

What is the significance of longer software support for smartphones?

Longer software support ensures that devices remain secure and functional for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and cutting down on environmental waste.

Has Android historically underperformed in terms of software updates?

Historically, Android makers have underperformed compared to Apple in providing OS updates.

However, Google and Samsung are now committing to longer update periods, potentially matching or exceeding iOS support in the future.

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