Modern flagship smartphones now feature software support windows extending up to seven or eight years.

This shift in vendor policy impacts how developers and users plan device lifecycles, balancing hardware longevity against battery wear and maintenance costs.

Today's flagships from companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google are designed to last anywhere from five to seven years. The decision on when to replace a phone depends on factors like update support, battery health, and repair costs.

Software support

Apple offers significant support for its iPhones. iOS 27 supports devices released in 2019, such as the iPhone 11, although the most advanced artificial intelligence features require at least an iPhone 15 Pro. In addition, the company has committed to providing at least five years of security updates to comply with regulations.

In the Android space, things have changed significantly.…