Why do phones receive updates for such different periods?
The update period depends on the manufacturer, the component suppliers and each market's rules.
Direct answer: a phone's update period is a manufacturer decision, limited by component suppliers' support and by market rules. That is why devices of different prices and brands receive support for very different lengths of time. Before buying, it is worth checking the promised period.
Three points to understand
- The manufacturer decides and bears the cost. Updating a system requires testing the software on each model, adapting drivers and distributing the package. The more models, the more work. Some manufacturers control the whole device and can promise long periods; others depend on partners, which complicates things.
- The supplier chain. The processor, camera and other components come from companies that also need to provide compatible software. If a supplier ends support for a component, updating the device becomes harder.
- A system update is not the same as a security update. Some devices receive new system versions for less time but keep receiving security fixes for longer. It is worth telling the two promises apart.
In some markets, such as the European Union, recent rules have begun to require minimum support periods for certain products, which tends to narrow the gap. Requirements vary by country and product category.
An example
Two people buy phones in the same price range. One manufacturer promises system and security updates for several years; the other's for a short period. After two or three years, the second device stops receiving fixes, and is exposed to known flaws when using banking apps or joining networks. This is an illustrative example.
What to check before buying
- The promised period for system and security updates, on the manufacturer's official site.
- The model's release date, because the period usually counts from it.
- The update policy of the product line and carrier, where there is one.
- The manufacturer's reputation for keeping its promises.
Next reading
Also see how to keep your devices safe and the difference between system and security updates, in materials from the manufacturer and digital security bodies.
