The reputation of Android’s software updates hasn’t been great historically. Recently, this situation has improved quite a bit. As of 2023, Android flagship phones receive at least a few years of OS updates, and even many budget phones receive one or two OS upgrades. There is, of course, a difference in the commitment of all manufacturers to software updates.
Google Has a Great New Update Plan
Google is promising something really impressive with its new Pixel 8 phone. It says the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will get 7 whole years of software updates! That means 7 years of new OS versions, 7 years of security patches, and 7 years of special Android features. No other company promises so many years of updates, even Apple.
Unfortunately, Google’s older Pixel phones won’t get this long update time. Only the Pixel 8 and later models will. And we don’t know yet if future budget Pixels will match these 7 year updates. But it’s still a great sign that Google wants to give users the best software support.
Samsung Has Very Good Updates Too
Samsung is also doing a good job with updates. Its Galaxy S21 phone and newer models get 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. Samsung’s folding phones and tablets get the same. Many cheaper Samsung phones, called Galaxy A phones, get 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches too.
Samsung isn’t always the fastest to release updates. But overall it provides long software support, which is why Samsung is popular. Even cheaper Samsung phones can expect new features and security fixes for a while.
Apple Has the Most Consistent Updates
Apple has always supported its iPhones best of all. Even the very first iPhones got several OS updates. By the time the iPhone 6 came out in 2014, Apple would support phones for 5 years or more. Some older iPhone 6S phones from 2015 only recently stopped getting updates in 2022.
No iPhone ever gets less than 5 years of updates from Apple. But Apple doesn’t explain its update plans clearly. Every phone is different depending on if the new OS works well on it. Overall though, all iPhones see long-term care from Apple.
Other Companies Are Improving Too
Xiaomi, OnePlus/Oppo, and Motorola are trying harder now with updates. Xiaomi promises 4 years of updates for its newest expensive Xiaomi 13T phones. OnePlus/Oppo aims for 4 OS updates and 5 years of patches on new phones. And even budget-friendly Motorola said it will try for 3 OS updates and 4 years of security on one of its 2023 phones.
These companies didn’t use to provide clear update schedules. And they aren’t always fast with updates either. But it’s good that more Android manufacturers want to give customers software support now. Google, Samsung, and Apple still lead the way for the best update policies though.
In summary, while no company is perfect, Google, Apple and Samsung try the hardest to provide the best software update support. Things are much better than they used to be, but there is still room for improvement across the industry. Sticking with the brands that have a strong track record of updates is generally the safest choice.
