Every smartphone has a built-in expiration date. This day arrives when the software updates cease and you find yourself missing out on new apps and security safeguards. Historically, this used to occur after around three years with most phones.
However, a significant shift is occurring. The new standard is now seven years.
My first inkling of this change came when I reviewed Google’s $700 Pixel 8 smartphone in October. Google informed me that they had pledged to provide software updates for the phone for seven years, a jump from the three-year timeline for its earlier Pixels, because it was the morally right thing to do.
I was initially skeptical about whether this would become a trend. However, this year, Samsung, the leading Android phone manufacturer in terms of profitability, set a similar software support period for its $800 Galaxy S24 smartphone. Subsequently, Google declared that they would do the same for their $500 Pixel 8A, which is the budget version of the Pixel 8 and just hit stores this week.
Both companies emphasized that they had expanded their software support to enhance the longevity of their phones. It’s a departure from the traditional outlook on phones, where tech giants used to release new models that encouraged users to upgrade every two years. Nowadays, with smartphone sales plateauing globally due to incremental improvements, consumers want their devices to endure.
Samsung and Google, the two most influential Android device manufacturers, are now playing catch-up with Apple, which has a long-standing track record of providing software updates for iPhones for approximately seven years. These recent initiatives will significantly extend the lifespan of phones and give users more control over when to upgrade.
Google stated in a press release that it had extended its software support for the Pixel 8A to instill confidence in Pixel phones. Meanwhile, Samsung pledged to provide seven years of software updates for all its Galaxy flagship phones going forward, emphasizing the benefits to security and reliability.
So, why is this transformation happening and what can you do to ensure your phone lasts longer?
Reasons for the Change
In the past, Android phone manufacturers cited the complexity of providing software updates as a significant barrier, leading them to drop support after a few years to maintain profitability. However, external pressures have mounted on tech companies to invest in prolonging the lifespan of their products.
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission announced an upsurge in enforcement against tech companies that hindered product maintenance and repairs. This propelled the “right to repair” movement, legislation mandating companies to offer parts, tools, and software to extend product life. Several states, including California, New York, Minnesota, and Oregon, have enacted such laws in recent years.
Google’s commitment to longer software support for smartphones came after similar pressure to extend support for its laptops. September saw the company agreeing to expand software support for Chromebooks to 10 years, up from eight years, in response to advocacy efforts highlighting the challenges posed by short-lived Google laptops in schools.
Nathan Proctor, a director at U.S. PIRG, a nonprofit largely funded by small donors that spearheaded the Chromebook campaign, hailed the new seven-year support standard for smartphones as a significant win for the environment.
Other Practices to Prolong Smartphone Lifespan
While software updates play a crucial role in maintaining phone performance, there are additional steps akin to car maintenance that can extend the life of your smartphone:
Replace the Phone Battery Every Two Years
Lithium-ion batteries in phones have a limited lifespan. It’s advisable to replace the battery after approximately two years once its charge-holding capacity diminishes.
Replacing a smartphone battery can be challenging, so seeking assistance from a professional is recommended. For repair services for Pixel and Galaxy phones, you can reach out to Google and Samsung on their respective websites or locate a reputable nearby shop via platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews. Typically, a battery replacement costs around $100.
For iPhone users, scheduling a battery replacement appointment at an Apple retail store through their website is an option. However, experiences with repair centers at Apple Stores vary.
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