EU wants to make five year software updates mandatory for all Android phones

It suggests that all Android smartphone makers should provide three years of major Android updates and five years of important security patches. It is interesting to note that the majority of Android devices currently fail the criteria set by the draft. The commission also suggested that phone makers should also offer five years of repair and after-sales service.

Some phones like the Google Pixel 6 series barely surpass the requirements proposed by the draft. Before the tech giant adopted this policy, it provided just three years of total updates which includes important security patches as well.

And while Samsung offers four major Android updates and five years of security patches, it does so only for select high-end devices with most budget and mid-range phones not covered by the policy. Other manufacturers like Motorola and OnePlus are known for offering just one major Android update. If the draft is enforced, it will surely increase the longevity of all Android devices and result in reduced electronic waste in the coming years.