Android has not had a great track record when it comes to software updates. Fortunately, throughout the past five years or so, things have greatly improved. By 2025, it is not unusual for Android flagships to get security patches and OS updates for a few years at least. Nowadays, even a lot of low-cost phones ...
Android has not had a great track record when it comes to software updates. Fortunately, throughout the past five years or so, things have greatly improved. By 2025, it is not unusual for Android flagships to get security patches and OS updates for a few years at least. Nowadays, even a lot of low-cost phones get at least one OS update.
When buying a smartphone, regular operating system (OS) upgrades and security fixes have become crucial because users are keeping their devices longer. While not all manufacturers have the same level of dedication, some have improved, meeting or even surpassing Apple’s longstanding robust update practices. In 2025, let us examine which brands provide the finest software support.
Android’s longest-running software is found in the Pixel series. Google promised seven years of Android OS upgrades, security fixes, and feature releases with the Pixel 8 series, which is more support than even Apple can provide.
Google’s strategy is also noteworthy because it provides retroactive support for previous devices, such as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7, which have also been given an extra two years of Android updates. Pixel phones continue to be among the greatest options for consumers looking for long-term software support because of their regular and timely rollouts.
When it comes to reliable software upgrades, Apple has long set the standard. Apple consistently released at least three significant operating system updates for their devices, even in the early years of Android’s fragmented support. Five years of updates had become commonplace by the time the iPhone 6 was released.
Apple hasn’t, however, made any clear promises regarding when its smartphone will be updated. Updates may be longer for some than we anticipate. For example, the iPhone 6S exceeded expectations by launching with iOS 9 and receiving updates until iOS 15.
However, Apple for the first time announced that the iPhone 15 Pro will receive at least five years of updates in response to regulatory demands in the UK. However, that is the absolute minimum. Apple frequently goes above and above this promise, maintaining older models as long as performance is not hampered by hardware constraints.
Regarding flagship update pledges, Samsung and Google are on an even playing field. For the Galaxy S24 series and later models, including as the Flip, Fold, and Galaxy Tab S10, Samsung additionally guarantees seven years of OS updates and security patches.
Some Galaxy A-series budget models are also assured of six years of upgrades, which is better than the flagship update plans of many competing brands, even though its flagship lineup benefits from this long-term support.
More importantly, Samsung rolls out updates timely manner, whether for its flagships or budget models, making it a better Android brand if you care about software updates.
Long-term software support and sustainability are key components of Fairphone’s brand. In the realm of Android, the Fairphone 2, which was released in 2015, got updates for more than seven years.
The more recent Fairphone 5 comes with eight years of security fixes and five years of OS updates. If circumstances favor them, the business even says it will attempt to prolong security patch updates to ten years. Despite the lengthy service period, Fairphone’s OS releases and patch updates are erratic, making its upgrade schedule less predictable than that of other brands.
Apple, Samsung, and Google have made strides, but there is still opportunity for other businesses to expand. OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi have not advanced far enough, while Motorola is still having trouble updating even its flagship phones on a regular basis.
With a seven-year upgrade committment, it is now the best option for those who value long-term software support, ahead of Google and Samsung. For people who have already made an investment in the iOS environment, Apple is still a dependable and consistent choice.
Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.
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