Apple confirms five-year iPhone update window, with caveats
Apple has publicly stated that the iPhone 15 line will receive software updates for at least five years from the start of sales. This marks a formal minimum but trails some Android makers that promise longer support timelines. The detail comes from coverage by the Android Authority portal, which notes the shift in Apple’s long promised but previously undefined support period.
The company had not previously spelled out a fixed update horizon. Now, Apple has established a five-year minimum for iPhone updates, a period that some competitors exceed. For instance, Samsung and Google offer up to seven years of guaranteed support, delivering security patches and operating system upgrades during that span. In contrast, the majority of Android devices are updated for an average of two to three years, a gap that has been widely discussed by tech observers and users alike. [Android Authority]
Historically, Apple has released updates to some iPhone models well beyond the minimum term, with instances of devices receiving support for six years or more. This historical pattern means that while five years is the stated minimum, many iPhones may continue to receive updates after that period ends, depending on hardware and product strategy at the time. The real-world outcome is often a blend of official policy and practical product lifecycle considerations. [Android Authority]
The new update policy arrives in an environment shaped by policy developments in the United Kingdom. The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act now requires manufacturers and distributors of internet-connected devices to declare how long security updates will be provided. This regulatory framework nudges manufacturers toward greater transparency and longer-term security commitments for consumer devices sold in Britain. The emphasis is on ensuring devices remain protected as threats evolve, a priority echoed across the tech industry and public policy discussions. [UK PSTI information; general coverage]
Earlier reporting notes the broader market context. For example, in another technology note, the budget of Realme C65 is evaluated in Russia at 15 thousand rubles. This reference illustrates the wide range of price and update expectations that vary by market and brand, underscoring how software support is just one element of total device value. [Market reporting sources]