Honor's Commitment to Seven Years of Software Updates

As phone manufacturers seek new ways to set themselves apart, software and security updates have emerged as the new benchmarks, much like displays, cameras, and batteries. Honor is the latest company to make headlines with a bold announcement regarding its commitment to these updates, revealed during its recent AI strategy presentation.

Honor is known for producing innovative smartphones. Previously, its Magic V3 was recognized as the world's thinnest foldable phone, measuring just 4.4mm. With their new initiative, Honor promises that all future flagship devices, including their foldable phones, will receive seven years of software and security updates.

Understanding Honor's Update Commitment

Honor's commitment is clear: flagship models from the Magic series will benefit from seven years of software and security updates. Initially starting in the European market, it's uncertain whether this pledge extends globally or is limited to EU customers.

The first device to fall under this new plan is the Honor Magic 7 Pro. However, it remains unclear if existing models will enjoy the same level of support. Honor has mentioned that it aims to offer similar updates for other flagship devices in the future, which could include both traditional smartphones and foldables.

This means that any new flagship model within the Magic lineup should receive these updates. Still, the definition of what qualifies as a flagship device is not explicitly stated. Additionally, there isn't a guaranteed timeline for when these updates will be issued, a common limitation among smartphone manufacturers.

Importance of the Commitment

You might wonder why this matters. While many individuals may not think much of software updates, there is a growing segment of consumers who wish to prolong the life of their devices, especially as smartphone prices rise.

A recent survey in the UK revealed that over 55% of smartphone users are interested in keeping their devices for more than three years. In the US, trade-in analysis indicated that 33% of iPhone users and 22% of Android users held onto their phones for over three years, with the average lifespan of a device rising to 3.7 years.

Although Honor's announcement won't directly affect users in the US, it does provide valuable reassurance for buyers in markets like the UK. This is especially true for consumers investing in high-end folding phones, as it confirms their devices are less likely to become obsolete any time soon.

It's crucial to highlight that this new update commitment will only apply to new phones going forward. Devices like the Honor Magic V3 will likely remain under their existing commitment of four years of Android updates and five years of security updates. Nonetheless, this upgrade is a significant move, aligning Honor with industry standards.

Comparison with Competitors

When considering competitors, Samsung remains the most prominent player. Their recent models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S25 series, receive seven years of software and security updates. This policy, initiated last year with the Galaxy S24 series, means that older devices will likely only qualify for four years of software updates and five years for security.

Oppo, along with OnePlus, also presents competition for Honor. Oppo's flagship, the Find N5 foldable, comes with a commitment of four years for major OS updates and six years for security updates. This same timeline is surprisingly applied to the OnePlus 13 as well, despite it being a flagship model akin to the Magic 7 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In a similar vein, Honor's update commitment places it even with Google's Pixel 9 series, which includes models like the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and their foldable variant, all ensuring seven years of updates.

Honor's new pledge makes it the third Android manufacturer to commit to such a robust update schedule. While it's unfortunate that existing devices will not benefit, it makes upcoming phones like the Honor Magic V4 considerably more attractive prospects for potential buyers.

updates, smartphones, technology