Over the past several years, Google has been a market leader with it’s Android OS for smartphone. There is one area where Android has been consistently behind on Apple’s iOS, and that’s updates. Apple supports every iPhone for years with new updates. Google now sets the example for every Android brand by offering 5 years of support.
If we look at Apple, iOS 15 which is due to be released in the fall of 2021, will run on hardware released as far back as 2015. Apple is already going for 6 years of support. That is not just impressive, it is something that Android has been unable to match. Android offers 2 to 3 years on average. However, the release of the Pixel 6 could see all of that change, according to Google.
5 years of updates support
The most interesting thing about the new Pixel 6 smartphone , is not that the phone has a 50MP camera, 12GB of RAM, or a 5000mAh battery. It’s that it will have up to 5 years of software updates. Google is committing to at least 5 years of software updates for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, which is great news if you are looking to get a Google phone. For those seeking the best Android experience, the Google Pixel line is the best choice, offering better durability.
A useful idea
The updates are not just a great option for supporting people who want to keep their phones longer, they also ensure that people buy fewer phones, thereby reducing e-waste, when phones with old operating systems that can’t be updated, have to be chucked.
Google has had its fair share of challenges making or marketing its phones. The company used XL to brand its beefier versions of the Pixel releases. However, many iPhone fans will notice that the search engine giant dropped the XL, in favour of Pro, something that Apple is known for doing.
Will other Android brands follow
The question remains if Google will ask or demand other Android manufacturers to do the same. For example, if Samsung would offer 5 years of Android updates on their new models, it would change a lot. Especially since people are using their smartphones for longer periods now. In the past people bought a new smartphone every 2 years, that is changing to at least 3 years.
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