Every smartphone has an expiry date. The day will come when you will no longer receive software updates and you will start missing out on new apps and security protections. For most cell phones, this happened after only 3 years or so.
But things are finally starting to change. The new number is 7.
I first noticed this change in October when I reviewed Google's $700 Pixel 8 smartphone. Google told me that he promised to provide software updates for this phone for seven years, up from his previous three years for his Pixel, because it was the right thing to do.
I was skeptical that this would become a trend. But this year, Samsung, the most profitable Android phone maker, set up similar software for its $800 Galaxy S24 smartphone. And Google announced that it will do the same for the $500 Pixel 8A, a cheaper version of the Pixel 8 that arrived in stores this week.
The companies said they have expanded software support to extend the lifespan of the phones. This is a change from the way companies used to talk about phones. Not so long ago, the technology giant announced a new device that encourages people to upgrade it every two years. However, in recent years, smartphone sales have slowed worldwide as smartphone improvements have reached their limits. Nowadays, people expect durability from their mobile phones.
Samsung and Google, two of the most influential Android device makers, are trying to catch up with Apple, which has traditionally provided software updates for the iPhone for about seven years. These moves will significantly extend the lifespan of mobile phones and give people more flexibility in deciding when to upgrade.
Google said in a statement that it has expanded its software efforts for the Pixel 8A because it wants customers to have confidence in their Pixel smartphones. Samsung also announced that it will now provide seven years of security and reliability software updates to all Galaxy flagship phones.
Here's what you need to know about why this problem occurs and what you can do to make your phone last longer.
Why did this happen?
Android smartphone makers have previously said that the technical process of providing software updates was so complicated that they ended support after a few years to maintain profits. But technology companies are now under intense external pressure to invest in extending the lifespan of their devices.
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission announced it would increase enforcement against tech companies whose products are difficult to repair and maintain. This has fueled the “right to repair” movement, a bill that would require companies to provide parts, tools and software to extend the life of their products. In recent years, states including California, New York, Minnesota and Oregon have enacted such laws.
Google has announced new initiatives for smartphones after coming under pressure to do the same for laptops. In September, the company agreed to extend software support for Chromebooks from eight to 10 years in response to a grassroots campaign that highlighted how short-lived Google laptops were causing budget shortfalls in schools.
Nathan Proctor, director of US PIRG, a nonprofit funded largely by small donors who led the Chromebook campaign, said the new seven-year support standard for smartphones will have a big impact.
“This is a huge win for the environment,” he said. “I'd like to see more.”
What else do I need to do?
Software updates are an important part of keeping your phone in good working order, but just like car maintenance, there are other steps you can take to extend the life of your smartphone. They include:
Replace your cell phone battery every two years
Lithium-ion batteries in mobile phones have a limited lifespan. After about two years, it's a good idea to replace the battery as it can hold less charge.
Replacing your smartphone battery isn't easy, so it's best to consult a professional. To find repair shops that service Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, you can contact them through the Google and Samsung websites. You can also use review sites like Yelp and Google Reviews to find reputable businesses near you. Battery replacement typically costs about $100.
For iPhones, customers can schedule a battery replacement appointment at an Apple retail store through the company's website. But from my experience, Apple Store repair centers are a gamble.
I recently made an appointment to have my iPhone 14's battery replaced at the Apple Store in Emeryville, California. When I arrived, the employee said the battery was out of stock and the nearest store that carried it was 40 minutes away by car.
This was frustratingly inefficient. Apple's site didn't allow you to make reservations in stores without batteries. Apple said in a statement that if the parts needed to make a repair are not available, a retail store employee will locate the nearest store and perform the repair, or order a replacement part and complete the repair once the part arrives.
Instead, I made an appointment at a local repair shop.
Keep it safe
Smartphones are still mostly made of glass, so it's wise to invest in a high-quality case to ensure they last seven years. A screen protector is an extra safety measure, but many people won't like it distorting the screen's image quality. At Wirecutter, our sister product review site, we recommend cases from brands like Smartish, Spigen, and Mujjo, or cases from the phone manufacturer itself.
Unless you are very accident-prone, we recommend that you do not purchase an extended warranty as it may cost more than the repair cost.
please clean
Smartphones have few moving parts, so they require little physical maintenance. But most of us neglect to clean areas we rarely see, like charging ports and speaker holes.
Over time, these holes become clogged with dirt, pocket lint, and cosmetics. Accumulated debris can cause your phone to take longer to charge or make calls difficult to hear.
“This is cell phone lint,” said Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, a site that publishes instructions and sells parts for repairing electronic devices.
Luckily, he adds, you don't need any fancy tools. Just use a toothpick to dig out the dirt.
Should this change the way you buy your phone?
I always recommend buying products based on what a company can do here and now, rather than what they say they will do in the future. You should continue to buy mobile phones based on this principle.
Many people will choose to upgrade sooner for other reasons, such as getting new features like a better camera or a longer-lasting battery.
However, people who want to buy a cell phone that will last as long as possible should choose a cell phone that can be repaired economically if it breaks down. Wiens said Google's Pixel phones fit this criteria because their components are affordable. Owners of these phones will now have access to longer-lasting software to accommodate their hardware.
