Apple’s iPhones have been widely known for their extended software support policy. The Cupertino-based tech giant usually provides OS updates for five years with some models surprisingly getting extended updates for few more years. Notably, the company never explicitly revealed the guaranteed years of software support. That is until today. The new UK regulations have forced Apple to announce the minimum number of years it will provide software support for its iPhones. 

Apple confirms software support policy for iPhones

Samsung and Google announced seven years of software updates for their latest-generation flagship Galaxyx S24 series and the Pixel 8 series. Now, for the first time ever, Apple has officially revealed that it will provide software updates for a minimum of five years from the first supply date. The supply date refers to the first sale date of the device. It also confirms that the iPhone 15 series will be eligible to receive updates till September 2028 meaning that it will likely get iOS 22. 

Apple’s five-year minimum software support policy is two years less than the company’s competitors. However, the keyword is ‘minimum’ so the company can go beyond the minimum window in releasing updates. Apple has done this plenty of times in the past. It’s not like the company will end software support after five years. The Cupertino-based tech giant does not differentiate its iPhone models into flagship and mid-range offerings, unlike most Android brands. Each device is eligible to receive the same number of software support. 

The seven-year software support from Samsung and Google is only for top-tier flagship devices. The mid-range phones often get up to three years of updates. So, it seems that Apple still has an edge in the software support policy despite the longer support offered by its competitors. 

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