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Own: What happens after you buy · Tech & software

Phones and devices that stop getting updates: fair or not?

A phone, tablet, or laptop can work perfectly and still reach the end of its software support. After that, no more security fixes arrive, and apps may stop supporting it. Some makers now promise five or seven years, while many other devices never say how long support lasts. Is it fair for working devices to be left behind by software?

Is it fair for a phone or tablet that still works to stop getting security updates after a few years?

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What happens

Every device runs software that needs regular security fixes. The maker decides how long to provide them. Google says Pixel 8 and newer phones get seven years of operating system and security updates from when they first went on sale in its US store, while Pixel 6 and 7 models get five. Samsung promised seven years for the Galaxy S24 series. Apple has stated at least five years of security updates for the iPhone 15 from its first sale date.

When support ends, the device keeps working, but new security holes stay open. Banking and other apps may later require a newer system version and stop running. Many cheaper phones, tablets, and gadgets give no end date at all, so buyers cannot compare.

Why many people say it’s not fair

  • Working hardware becomes risky to use because of a software decision, not a breakdown.
  • Many makers never tell buyers how long updates will last before they pay.
  • Support often counts from the model's launch, not your purchase date, so late buyers get less.
  • Apps dropping old versions can force an upgrade even when the device runs well.
  • Replacing devices early costs money and adds to electronic waste.

The other side

Makers say supporting many old models takes engineering time and testing, and older chips may not handle new security features well. Long support raises costs, which can push prices up. Several makers have stretched support a lot in recent years: Google and Samsung now promise seven years on newer flagship phones.

Companies also point out that newer devices often bring real security improvements that older hardware cannot match.

Options you may not be told about

Before buying, check the maker's published support period. Google lists end dates for each Pixel model on its help page.
Pick a device with a long promise: Google says Pixel 8 and later get seven years of OS and security updates.
For old Windows PCs and Macs, ChromeOS Flex is a free Google system that can keep many of them updated. Installing it erases the drive.
Apple's security releases page shows which software versions still get fixes. Check it before relying on an older iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Apple keeps repair parts available for at least five years after a product was last sold, and sometimes up to seven years.

What you can do

  1. Look up your device's support end date on the maker's website.
  2. Install every update offered while support continues.
  3. Once support ends, avoid using that device for banking and sensitive accounts.
  4. When shopping, ask how many years of security updates come with the device, and get it in writing.
  5. Wipe, then trade in or recycle devices you replace.

Rules and your rights

No US law sets how long phones or computers must get updates. In November 2024, FTC staff said that failing to disclose how long a smart product will get updates may violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for products with written warranties, and could violate the FTC Act in some cases. The EU now requires smartphones and tablets sold there to get OS updates for at least five years after a model stops being sold. The UK requires makers of connected products to publish their minimum security update period.

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Common questions

How long will my phone get updates?

It depends on the maker and model. Google says Pixel 8 and later get seven years of OS and security updates, and Pixel 6 and 7 get five. Samsung promised seven years for the Galaxy S24 series. Apple has stated at least five years of security updates for the iPhone 15. Check the maker's support page for your model.

Is it safe to use a phone that no longer gets updates?

It works, but it becomes riskier over time because newly found security holes are not fixed. Many people keep such a phone for light use, like music or a home remote, but stop using it for banking, email, and other sensitive accounts. Some apps may also stop running on old versions.

Do phone makers have to tell you how long updates last?

In the UK, makers of connected products must publish a minimum security update period. In the US there is no general rule, but FTC staff have warned that not disclosing support length can raise problems under federal warranty and consumer protection law for some products.

Sources: Google: When you'll get software updates on Pixel phones ↗ · Android Authority: Galaxy S24 series gets seven years of updates (Jan. 2024) ↗ · Tom's Guide: Apple reveals how long iPhones will get support (June 2024) ↗ · Apple: Apple security releases ↗ · Apple: Obtaining service after an expired warranty (vintage and obsolete products) ↗ · Google: ChromeOS Flex ↗ · Google: ChromeOS Flex FAQ ↗ · FTC: Smart products surveyed fail to tell consumers how long software updates will last (Nov. 2024) ↗ · European Commission: New EU rules for durable and repairable smartphones and tablets (June 2025) ↗ · GOV.UK: The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime ↗

General information, not legal, financial or real estate advice. Whether a practice is fair is a matter of opinion; votes and shared experiences are the views of site visitors, not AblePro, Inc. Rules and company policies change; check current terms and your state’s rules.