software Support Lifecycles for Mobile Phones (as of early 2024/early 2026)
This document summarizes the software support lifecycles offered by various mobile phone manufacturers, based on facts available as of early 2024 (with a note about changes effective June 2023/early 2026). It details both major Android/iOS updates and security patch support. The information is crucial for consumers considering the long-term usability and security of their devices.
Key Takeaways:
* Ecodesign Regulations & Google: google is leading the way with a commitment to five years of updates due to ecodesign regulations. When a brand releases updates, thay are obligated to support them for five years. This regulation doesn’t currently apply to the operating system as a whole.
* Critically important Variation: Software support periods vary greatly between manufacturers and even within a manufacturer’s product line. Consumers should carefully consider this when making a purchase.
* Security Patches are Critical: Regular security patches are essential for protecting against vulnerabilities. Longer security patch support is a significant benefit.
* Recent Improvements: Many manufacturers are extending their support timelines, particularly for flagship models.
Manufacturer Breakdown (as of early 2024/early 2026):
* Apple: 5-7 years, perhaps longer. (Industry leader in long-term support)
* Asus: Typically 2 generations of Android updates + at least 2 years of security patches.
* Fairphone: 5-7 years (from release), newer models promise longer support. System updates: 3-4 years. (Focus on sustainability and longevity)
* Google: 7 major updates & 7 years of security patches (Pixel 8 and newer). Older models: up to 3 major updates & 5 years of security patches. (Setting a new standard with Pixel 8)
* HMD: Typically 2 major updates & 2-3 years of security patches.
* Honor: Typically 2 years of updates/patches, newer models (depending on series) up to 7 years of support.
* Infinix: Older phones: max 2 years. Newer phones: max 3 years. (5-year support not available in the Czech Republic).
* Motorola: 2 years of software updates, 2-3 years of security patches. cheaper phones: none/1 update & 2 years of security.
* nothing: Varies by model,typically at least 3 years of system updates & 4 years of security patches.
* OnePlus: Latest flagships: 4 major updates & 6 years of security patches. Mid-range: 2 updates & 3 years of patches. Lower-end: 1 update & 2 years of security.
* Oppo: Cheapest models: 1 update & up to 3 years of patches. Moast expensive: up to 5 years of updates & 6 years of security.
* Bit: No public update promise, most phones 2 years of support, exceptions exist.
* Realme: Typically 2 updates & 3 years of patches, newer phones promise longer support.
* Redmi: Typically 2-3 major updates, newer phones have slightly longer support.
* Samsung: Galaxy S24 series and newer: 7 years of software support. Most phones: 4 major updates & 5 years of security patches.Support improving even for cheaper models (up to 6 years). (Leading the Android pack in extended support)
* Sony: Most phones: 2 major updates & 2 years of patches. Newer phones: slightly better.
* TCL: Depends on price, don’t expect more than 2 years of software support.
* Tecno: Spark series (Czech Republic): max 1 system upgrade & 3 years of security patches.
* Vivo: Support largely unknown, except for X series: 4-year system updates & 5-year security patches.
* Xiaomi: 2-year security updates,no system update guarantees,but powerful phones can expect at least 3 upgrades & 4 years of security.
Vital Note:
The provided information is based on data available as of early 2024/early 2026. Manufacturers are constantly updating their policies. The note from the original source states that if a brand offers less than five years of support, it refers to phones launched before June 2023. Newly launched phones generally have a minimum of five years of security