Weekly poll: How long should phones get OS updates?

Getting a major OS update is almost like buying a new phone – you get a host of new features, (hopefully) faster software and occasionally a complete overhaul of the UI. It’s actually better than a new phone, it’s free!

Yep, phones never had the PC model where a new version of the OS is something you buy. That’s good on the surface, but there’s a flip side. You can update a 10-year old PC to Windows 10 without waiting on its manufacturer. You probably shouldn’t, but you can.

With phones, you pay nothing for updates and sometimes you get your money’s worth. That’s not true for all brands, of course. Google, for example, commits to deliver major Android updates to the Pixel 2 phones for 3 years (longer for just security updates). Sony just announced it would support its flagships for two years.

That’s fine, but the cost of the update is built into the cost of the phone – we shouldn’t have to tell you how expensive the Pixels are and Sony’s more affordable phones don’t get the firm 2 year commitment.

The upgrade potential of a phone is something we always consider – it expands the useful life of a phone. We might not recommend a phone by a brand with a spotty upgrade history, for example.

So, how long do you expect makers to support their phones (all phones, not just flagships)? Obviously “forever” is impractical, but 1 year may be too little.