Google’s announcement that the Pixel 8 will receive seven years of Android and security updates has prompted Samsung to consider extending its own support. At the Samsung Developers Conference, Shin-Chul Baik, a Principal Engineer and Technical Program Manager at Samsung, revealed that the company is actively discussing the possibility of extending its current five years of security updates.
Samsung faces the challenge of updating a vast number of smartphone models each year, with over a billion devices receiving monthly updates and more than 150 devices receiving updates on a monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual basis.
Extending support beyond five years could potentially match or even surpass Google’s commitment. Currently, Fairphone is the only company that offers such extensive support in terms of sustainability.
While frequent upgraders may not be directly affected by longer support periods, this move could have significant implications for the industry as a whole. It promotes sustainability by allowing smartphones to be used safely for longer periods and benefits the pre-owned market by reducing security concerns associated with older devices.
However, there are important caveats to consider. Firstly, Samsung’s intention to extend support is currently an ambition and not yet a confirmed action. Secondly, the implementation may focus on flagship phones with more powerful hardware rather than low-end models that could benefit most from extended support. Lastly, this initiative appears to apply only to security updates, with no mention of extending the Android OS or One UI update window beyond the current four years.
Despite these caveats, Samsung’s consideration of longer support is a positive development that may encourage other companies to follow suit, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Euro Tidings journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
