Apple software update policy for iPhone 15 Pro
Apple was made to reveal its software update policy for the iPhone 15 Pro by the UK regulators. The country’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) mandates companies manufacturing, importing, or distributing internet-capable products to disclose how long they will be providing security updates to their products.
The iPhone maker being one such brand revealed the support period for its flagship product: iPhone 15 Pro. This support period is only a minimum of 5 years from the first supply date (i.e., September 22, 2023). So, the iPhone 15 Pro can expect updates till September 22, 2028. We believe this is applicable to other iPhone 15 models.
This revelation was pointed out by Google’s VP of Engineering Dave Kleidermacher. In a LinkedIn post, Dave remarked that’s “two years LESS than Android flagships from Google (Pixel) and Samsung“.
He doubles down by saying “It’s time to acknowledge iOS is no longer offering the best security lifetimes in the smartphone industry. Android is“.
For context, Google announced it will support the Pixel 8 series for 7 years. This includes the latest Android operating system, security updates and ongoing Feature Drops. So, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users can expect OTA updates till 2030.
Similarly, Samsung also extended the longevity of software support from 5 years to 7 years with the Galaxy S24 lineup’s launch. So, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra users can get updates till 2031.
Why longer software support matters
- Longer software support means you get more value out of a phone.
- You may get to experience the latest features from the freshly launched phones on your old phone. This would be possible if the hardware keeps up with the demands of future software features.
- If your device gets security patches in time, it will protected against malicious threats. So, personal or sensitive data on the phone remains safe.
- It also adds to the trade-in value of the phone when you go to sell it.
We’ll have to wait and see what Apple does after the minimum support period. Since it has offered longer support for other iPhones in the past, let’s stay hopeful.
