Apple has officially confirmed the duration of software support for its iPhones, and it falls short compared to its competitors Samsung and Google. The tech giant will provide security updates for the latest iPhones for a minimum of five years, a shorter period than the seven years guaranteed by Samsung and Google.
This commitment marks the first time Apple has specified a minimum length of software support for its iPhones. In contrast, Samsung and Google promise a minimum of seven years of security updates for their flagship devices.
When investing in a high-end smartphone, such as the latest iPhone, consumers need to consider the longevity of software support. A phone that costs a significant amount but only receives a limited number of updates may prompt users to upgrade sooner for security reasons. While update policies vary among brands, most companies disclose the duration of support for their devices.
Historically, Apple did not provide a minimum guarantee for software support, although it often outperformed other companies in terms of updates. However, the recent commitment by Apple to a minimum support period for the iPhone reveals a shorter timeframe compared to some competitors.
On April 29, 2024, the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation became effective. This regulation mandates that companies manufacturing, importing, or distributing internet-capable products in the UK adhere to specific security requirements. The objective is to enhance the security of consumer products, particularly IoT devices, that connect to the internet. Companies impacted by the regulation must furnish compliance statements detailing, among other things, the duration for which security updates will be provided.
As iPhones are internet-capable products, Apple must comply with the UK’s PSTI regulation. The company recently released its compliance statement for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, indicating a ‘defined support period’ of a minimum of five years from the initial supply date, which was September 22, 2023, when the iPhone 15 series was launched.
As per the PSTI regulation, the ‘defined support period’ refers to the minimum duration for which security updates will be supplied, expressed as a time period with an end date. A ‘security update’ is defined as a software update that enhances or protects the security of the device.
