Your Phone’s Lifespan is About to Double!

Devil’s Advocate
2 min readMay 21, 2024

--

Most smartphones are only designed to last around 3 years. But get ready for a game-changing leap — the new magic number is 7! Yes, you heard that right — seven glorious years of use from your beloved device!

Google Leads the Charge

Starting with the Pixel 8, Google is setting a new standard by committing to provide software updates for a whopping seven years! This is a significant jump from the previous three years for their older models.

Samsung Joins the Revolution

Not to be outdone, Samsung, the most profitable Android phone maker, is following suit. Their upcoming $800 Galaxy S24 smartphone will also feature a seven-year software update timeline.

Apple: The Trendsetter

But wait, there’s more! These giants are still catching up to Apple, which has been quietly leading the pack, offering software updates for iPhones for around seven years for a while now.

Why the Sudden Shift?

In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shook things up by announcing a crackdown on tech companies that made it hard to fix and maintain their products. This boosted the “right to repair” movement, pushing legislation that requires companies to provide parts, tools, and software to extend the lifespan of their products.

Make Your Phone Last!

Smartphones are mostly made of glass, so investing in a high-quality case is a must for that seven-year journey. But don’t forget about the battery! Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, so after about two years, it’s wise to replace the battery to keep your phone running smoothly. Android phones make battery changes a breeze, while iPhones can be a bit more challenging.

The Future is Here

With these changes, your phone is set to be a reliable companion for years to come. Say goodbye to the days of frequent upgrades and hello to sustainability and longevity!

Are you excited about this new era of longer-lasting smartphones?

--

--

Devil’s Advocate

Seeker for life. Looking to make technology simpler for everyone.