Why Software Update Commitments Matter When Buying a Phone
OS versus security updates
An OS update moves the phone to a new Android or iOS version with new features. Security updates patch vulnerabilities and can continue after OS updates end. Both matter for banking, payments and personal data.
How to check
- Read the brand's official launch announcement or product page for the stated years of OS and security updates.
- Note that commitments can differ between a brand's flagship and budget models.
Frequently asked questions
How many years of updates should a phone get?
The longer the better if you keep phones for several years. Several brands now commit to many years for their flagships, while budget models often receive fewer; each phone page shows the published commitment where the brand states one.