Understanding Smartphone OS Updates: Do They Start From the Purchase Date or Release Date?

When buying a new smartphone, one of the key factors many users consider is the software update policy. Companies often advertise “3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches,” but a common question arises: Does the update cycle start from the day you buy the phone, or from the day it was released?

The answer is it starts from the phone’s release date, not your purchase date. This means if a phone is launched in 2024 with a 3-year OS update promise, it will receive its final update in 2027, regardless of whether you buy it in 2024 or 2026. Let’s break this down in detail.

How Software Updates Work

Most smartphone brands follow a structured update cycle. The update policy is tied to the phone’s launch date because manufacturers start working on software updates right after release. Updates require testing, optimization, and coordination with chipset manufacturers, which is why companies do not provide individual update cycles for each customer.

For example, let’s consider the Nothing Phone (2a), which was launched in March 2024. The brand promises:

• 3 years of Android OS updates (until March 2027)

• 4 years of security patches (until March 2028)

Now, let’s assume you buy the Nothing Phone (2a) in March 2025. Since the update cycle started from the launch date in March 2024, you will get only:

• 2 years of OS updates (from March 2025 to March 2027)

• 3 years of security patches (from March 2025 to March 2028)

Thus, the later you purchase a phone after its launch, the fewer updates you will receive.

Why Do Companies Follow This Policy?

1. Software Development Constraints: Developing OS updates is a complex process that involves chipset compatibility, security improvements, and UI optimizations. Manufacturers can only support a device for a limited time.

2. Chipset Manufacturer Support: Most brands rely on chipset manufacturers (like Qualcomm, MediaTek, or Exynos) for software compatibility. These chipset makers provide firmware updates for a limited period, after which supporting older processors becomes difficult.

3. Encouraging New Purchases: Smartphone brands want users to upgrade their devices regularly, so they limit the update period to keep their lineup fresh.

Does This Apply to All Smartphone Brands?

Most brands follow this rule, but some handle updates differently:

• Samsung: Offers 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates for flagship devices, starting from the release date.

• Google: Provides 7 years of OS and security updates for Pixel 8 and later models, but still counts from the launch date.

• Apple: While Apple doesn’t explicitly mention an update cycle, iPhones typically receive 5-6 years of iOS updates from their release date.

How to Maximize Your Smartphone’s Software Support

1. Buy a Newly Launched Model: If software longevity is important to you, try to buy a phone within its first 6 months of release. This ensures you get the maximum update period.

2. Consider Brands with Longer Support: Google and Samsung offer longer update policies compared to brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Nothing.

3. Check Custom ROM Support: If official updates end, some users install custom ROMs like LineageOS to keep their devices updated with newer Android versions.

Final Verdict: Should You Worry About Late Updates?

If you plan to keep a phone for 3+ years, buying a model right after its release is ideal. However, if you upgrade every 2-3 years, getting a slightly older model at a discount is still a good option, even if you lose a year of updates.

Always check the official update policy of a smartphone before purchasing, and keep in mind that software longevity is just as important as hardware specifications when choosing a new phone!