As smartphones grow older and stop receiving updates, they become security risks, often leading to premature disposal. Recently, manufacturers are extending update support, with some now committing to four years or more, influenced by upcoming EU regulations. While Apple remains less transparent about its update promises, many Android brands have demonstrated reliability in fulfilling their commitments. A selection of 204 evaluated smartphones showcases those with extended support durations, highlighting top performers and value options.
Crafted with agency resources
As smartphones age and cease to receive regular updates, they pose an increasing threat to security. Essential applications may also become incompatible over time with outdated operating systems.
This has historically resulted in perfectly functional devices being discarded prematurely, prompting the need for a costly new device.
However, a noticeable shift is occurring: smartphone manufacturers are extending their support timelines. Our evaluations reveal the years through which manufacturers commit to providing updates.
Recent investigations by Stiftung Warentest highlight whether these update commitments have been upheld or even surpassed in the past.
Lengthening Update Commitments
In the evaluations conducted for smartphones from 2019 and 2020, the promised update duration typically spanned just two to three years. However, for models included in a long-term study by product testers in 2024, this commitment has increased to a minimum of four years.
This change may be influenced by stricter regulations implemented by the EU, experts suggest. Starting June 2025, the EU Ecodesign Regulation will require at least five years of update support for newly released smartphones.
Notably, some manufacturers are already pledging significantly longer update durations for their premium devices. Companies like Fairphone, Google, and Samsung have committed to providing OS updates for a minimum of seven years.
Are Manufacturers Keeping Their Promises?
While extended update commitments for Android smartphones are frequently featured in marketing campaigns, Apple has not yet disclosed any information on this matter – even upon inquiry, according to Stiftung Warentest. This lack of transparency could be concerning, yet it has not resulted in significant disadvantages: Apple consistently delivers software updates, and iPhones generally receive updates longer than many Android counterparts.
Moreover, Android manufacturers have also demonstrated reliability, as indicated by Stiftung Warentest: Out of 77 smartphones whose promised update periods have concluded, 75 devices fulfilled their commitments. Furthermore, 60 of these models received updates that lasted significantly longer than initially promised.
Smartphones with Extended Update Commitments: A Testing Overview (Selection from 204 evaluated models)
Top Performer
Best Value
Leading Alternative
Apple’s Top Choice
Longest Commitment below €1000
Longest Commitment below €500
Longest Commitment below €300
Foldable Device with the Longest Commitment
2032
2029
2031
2029
2032
2031
2030
2031
Excellent (1.0)
Satisfactory (3.0)
Excellent (1.0)
Excellent (1.3)
Excellent (1.0)
Good (2.0)
Satisfactory (3.4)
Excellent (1.1)
OLED
OLED
OLED
OLED
OLED
OLED
OLED
OLED
Excellent (1.2)
Excellent (1.2)
Excellent (1.3)
Excellent (1.4)
Excellent (1.3)
Excellent (1.5)
Good (1.9)
Excellent (1.3)
6.9 inches
6.7 inches
6.8 inches
6.9 inches
6.2 inches
6.1 inches
6.7 inches
7.6 inches
19:37 hours
15:10 hours
19:31 hours
21:01 hours
17:43 hours
14:15 hours
16:10 hours
13:56 hours
Excellent (1.2)
Good (1.9)
Excellent (1.4)
Excellent (1.1)
Good (1.6)
Excellent (1.3)
Sufficient (4.2)
Excellent (1.3)
3,120 x 1,440 pixels
2,712 x 1,220 pixels
2,800 x 1,280 pixels
2,868 x 1,320 pixels
2,340 x 1,080 pixels
2,400 x 1,080 pixels
2,340 x 1,080 pixels
2,160 x 1,856 pixels
120 Hz
120 Hz
120 Hz
120 Hz
120 Hz
120 Hz
90 Hz
120 Hz
1,535 cd/m²
1,818 cd/m²
1,548 cd/m²
1,593 cd/m²
1,529 cd/m²