Apple has a history of providing long-term software support for its iPhones, but the company had never formally committed to a specific number of years. However, this has changed with Apple’s recent announcement in response to the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act. This act requires companies to disclose minimum support periods for their devices.
According to the statement, Apple has committed to a 5-year support period for its latest smartphone model, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This duration is 2 years shorter than the support periods promised by main Android competitors such as Google and Samsung, who guarantee 7 years of support for their flagship devices Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24, respectively. Apple clarifies that this 5-year period is a “minimum” and may be extended in the future.
The PSTI defines “support period” as the minimum duration for which security updates will be provided, expressed as a period with an end date. Since the iPhone 15 series was first released on September 22, 2023, Apple has the flexibility to potentially extend the support period beyond the initial 5 years.
This announcement is significant for consumers who value long-term software support. While the decision to keep a smartphone for 5 years or more ultimately depends on individual usage patterns, the assurance of long-term support at the time of purchase is an important factor for many users.