Choosing a smartphone with long-term software support is crucial for security, performance, and access to the latest features. In this article, we explore six leading smartphone brands, from Google to Apple, that provide the longest software updates. Discover which companies offer extended OS upgrades and security patches to ensure your device stays up to date for years to come
Two parameters define the term longevity of the smartphone: build quality and software support. A well-built phone made of quality and durable materials would normally take all of the grievous abuses thrown at it, thereby reducing its replacement frequency. Long-term software support will therefore enable the phone to remain secure, competent, and compatible with state-of-the-art apps and services.
These attributes together accommodate the users while also bringing about the substantial reduction of electronic waste. Given the soaring smartphone prices, definitely, a well-built premium device lasts longer in such situations with a dedicated and trustworthy vendor offering even extended software updates.
Here are six smartphone brands that offer at least five years of software support
Initially, Google became the first brand that made the announcement of software support for phones as much as seven years long. That is how many years any device in the Pixel 8 series will be receiving its major OS updates and security updates. The same also applies to the formerly-launched Google Pixel 9a with Android 15 installed on it, which would then be updated to Android 22. If you have been in the search for the best Android smartphone software experience and continuous feature upgrades, a Google Pixel is indeed a fantastic buy.
Samsung
Samsung continues to run with seven years of major OS upgrades and security updates for its flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series models, starting from the Galaxy S24 series. However, Samsung really has traffic for delivering software updates in time. Recently, the company announced that the Galaxy S24 series will welcome One UI 7 based on Android 15 and will be supported until Android 21 updates are released.
Apple iPhone
No other brand does timely software updates like Apple. Whenever an update is issued, all eligible iPhones, even those that are four to five years old, are updated on the same day—something near impossible in the Android world. Apple does give its devices up to five years of major OS updates, unlike Google or Samsung, which at least push out security updates for old devices. For instance, an iPhone 16 with iOS 18 in 2025 will probably be updated to iOS 23 in 2029. Yet, it’s also important to note that not every feature works with all iPhones running the latest iOS version.
OnePlus & OPPO
OnePlus is one of the best brands in the smartphone world and is famous for oxygen-aided operating systems; however, as it states, the newest version runs on ColorOS. Currently, OnePlus promises four major OS updates along with six years of security updates for some devices, including OnePlus 13 (review) and OnePlus 13R. The OnePlus Nord 4 was the first device that promised that it under his belt was going to get a six-year security update. If you’re looking for mid-range or value flagship devices that promise sweet software support, go for OnePlus. The company promises an excellent update rollout in comparison, particularly with other Android brands.
Just like the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro series, OPPO also offers Four Years of Major OS updates and six years of security updates for flagship models. Aside from these differences, the software experience for both OPPO and OnePlus phones is roughly similar.
iQOO & vivo
One will concede iQOO Funtouch OS is a little behind on the intuitive end when compared to OxygenOS or One UI, but it is for iQOO performance that one would buy the smartphone. While some manufacturers disappoint consumers by not fulfilling their updates, iQOO has, in fact, improved the software support for the iQOO 12, which was initially guaranteed three major OS updates and now, four OS updates and five years of security updates. The iQOO 13, review, being one of the most affordable, Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phones obviously follows the same update policy.
Vivo, parent of iQOO, inaugurates four OS versions for high-end phones and CES for five years, as in-line examples like vivo X200 versions.
