Summary

  • Apple has finally confirmed on paper how long its latest iPhones are promised software support for.
  • Google and Samsung offer 7 years of software support for their smartphones, surpassing Appleā€™s 5-year guarantee.
  • Despite falling short, Apple tends to exceed its initial software promise, and could move to extend its support with new devices later this year.



Google shocked everyone last fall when, during the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Proā€™s official unveiling, the company promised a whopping seven years of software support ā€” a guarantee that, in an even bigger surprise, also landed for the Pixel 8a last month. Samsung quickly followed suit with its Galaxy S24 series, quietly allowing Android to surpass iOS as the platform for anyone looking for long-lasting smartphones. Now, Apple has finally confirmed its official support period for its most recent iPhone lineup, and on its face, it simply doesnā€™t compete with the best phones offered by Google or Samsung.

As spotted by everyoneā€™s favorite Android blogger Mishaal Rahman over at Android Authority, Apple uploaded a new document to its website recently, in compliance with the UKā€™s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (or PSTI). The idea behind the PSTI is to force any company selling internet-connected devices to specifically detail both security and support policies for customers, and the iPhone happens to fall into that categorization.


The result is the first time Apple has ever officially stated on the record how long its iPhone support period lasts ā€” and in the case of the iPhone 15 series, itā€™s five years from the date the lineup went on sale. Iā€™m no math expert, but by my calculations, five is two less than seven. That means Google and Samsung have rightfully earned the crown Apple wore for its excellent support structure for well over a decade of selling smartphones.


Itā€™s not quite as simple as these numbers sound on paper

But it still feels like a victory for Android fans

The iPhone 15 Pro Max next to the Pixel 8 Pro



Okay, Iā€™ll admit Iā€™m being a little petty. The truth is, Appleā€™s support period is actually a minimum of five years of software support, which gives the company some leeway when it comes to actually shipping updates. After all, iOS 17 extended all the way back to the iPhone XR and XS, two phones unveiled in 2018. Both phones have continued to receive support from Apple throughout this year, marking six years of updates ā€” albeit without bringing every feature to older hardware. And itā€™s still possible iOS 18, which weā€™ll see in action early next week, could land on these devices to match seven years of software support.

A chart showing what phones are compatible with iOS 17.



But letā€™s be real. You know what website youā€™re on, and youā€™re not here to hear a spirited defense of Appleā€™s software support. The truth is, by the numbers promised between Apple, Samsung, and Google, itā€™s Apple that is behind on this front. And while that could change with the iPhone 16 series this fall, for now, Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra owners have devices with two additional years of guaranteed software support over their iPhone-carrying counterparts. And as an Android fan, isnā€™t that enough of a reason to celebrate?

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro in Bay, front and back views
    Google Pixel 8 Pro
    $900 $999 Save $99

    The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the companyā€™s latest flagship, boasting a new Tensor G3 chip, a brighter screen, and a new camera array capable of capturing even more light. As usual, the real power lies in Googleā€™s Tensor chip, which offers even more photo enhancement and image editing features.

  • The S Pen, Front, and Back of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Violet on a white background
    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    Itā€™s not an overhaul by any means, but even small changes like (finally) swapping back to a flat touchscreen and seven years of system updates help the Galaxy S24 Ultra stand apart from its predecessors. Galaxy AIā€™s suite of features are front and center, as well as Googleā€™s latest utilities like Circle to Search, and this AI craze even brings its magic to the Ultraā€™s cameras for after-the-fact super slo-mo.


Related

How long will my Google Pixel get updates?

Googleā€™s Pixel phones are some of the longest-supported Android phones