June 15, 2025, 6:51 am | Read time: 4 minutes
For smartphone users, an update guarantee is crucial. Without software support, there’s no assurance of how long their device will remain secure or up-to-date. From Apple to Xiaomi: Find out at TECHBOOK how long and for which of their smartphones the major manufacturers provide an update guarantee.
A new EU regulation establishes a legal minimum standard for update guarantees. It becomes mandatory for smartphone manufacturers, among others, starting June 20, 2025. As TECHBOOK explains here in more detail, the regulation stipulates that software support of less than five years is not permissible. Below is an overview of the conditions for individual devices and the types of updates that are guaranteed.
Overview
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The Update Guarantees of Smartphone Manufacturers
It is important to distinguish between operating system updates, which can bring various changes such as new features, design touch-ups, or improved performance, and security updates. The latter are particularly important as they close security gaps and protect the device as best as possible from malware.
Apple
Apple does not specify a fixed update guarantee in years. However, it is known from practice that the manufacturer provides software updates for its iOS devices, including its smartphones, for a period of five to seven years after the model’s release. Beyond that, users can continue to receive security updates for older devices. This applies to almost all iPhones, as explained on Apple’s support page.
Samsung
Samsung guarantees a total of seven years of software support for its latest flagship smartphones, such as from the Galaxy S24. This includes six major Android upgrades and seven years of security updates. For mid-range models released after the end of 2024 (such as the Galaxy A16 series), Samsung promises six Android versions and also six years of security updates.
For its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, Google guarantees seven years of software support. This includes seven Android versions and seven years of security updates, distributed regularly through Feature Drops. For older Pixel models, the manufacturer provides only three years of Android updates but still five years of security updates.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi guarantees two years of security updates for all its smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO brands, from the time of initial delivery. The manufacturer does not provide a general commitment for Android version updates. However, during the launch of the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro, an extended update guarantee of four Android upgrades and five years of security updates was announced. For many other models, the update duration cannot be specified across the board. In practice, devices from the Redmi, POCO, and earlier Mi series often receive two to three Android upgrades and up to four years of security updates.
OnePlus
OnePlus differentiates its update guarantees depending on the device. According to manufacturer information, the current flagship models receive up to four major Android versions and are additionally supported with security updates for six years. For older high-end models, users can generally expect three major Android updates and four years of security updates. For the more affordable Nord N series devices, support is limited to one Android upgrade and two years of security updates.
Nothing
Nothing guarantees three years of operating system upgrade assurance and four years of security updates for its existing smartphones. For the upcoming 3a series, the company has announced an extended security guarantee for the first time: These models are to receive three years of Android version updates and six years of security updates.
Vivo
For its current flagship models (such as the X90 Pro), Vivo guarantees three major Android upgrades and three years of security updates. Support for mid-range and entry-level models is shorter; typically, there are two Android versions and about three years of security updates.
Motorola
At Motorola, update guarantees also depend on the specific device. Flagship models like the Edge or Razr series from 2023 generally receive new Android versions for three years and security updates for four years. Mid-range models, such as the Moto G series, typically get two Android upgrades and three years of security updates.
Honor
As part of its “Honor Alpha Plan,” which marks a strategic realignment of the company (here is the press release on this), Honor has announced an extended update guarantee for its flagship smartphones in the Magic series. Specifically, the manufacturer promises seven years of Android operating system updates and security updates. With this promise, it far exceeds the industry average. This sets a benchmark in terms of sustainability and customer loyalty. After all, users are expected to benefit from new features and improved security for many years.