The European Commission recently proposed an extension of support for Android and iOS devices. They asked the companies for a minimum period of five years of updates. Its federal government Germanys seems to be pushing harder, asking for that period to be extended to seven years.
Most Android smartphones receive security and software updates for about two to three years before users are forced to purchase new devices. None of the big companies (Google, Samsung, Apple) provide support for five years.
This movement of the EU to extend the support period to five years is intended to help the environment by keeping devices longer. Research has shown that extending the life of a smartphone by even one year can save as much carbon emissions as taking two million cars off the road.
So right now Germany is pushing phone makers to offer at least 7 years of updates.
Let's forget the environmental talk for a bit, and think about the safety implications. According to usage data StatCounter in August 2021, 40%+ of Android device users are running 9.0 Pie or some oldest Android on their smartphone. Of course all of them are vulnerable to attacks because their phones no longer install security updates.
However, the proposals of the EU and now of the German Federal Government are not met with much enthusiasm. DigitalEurope, which is made up of Apple, Samsung and Google, is arguing against the EU and Germany proposals. It should be noted here that Apple usually releases updates for at least five years, and Android devices receive updates for 2,5 years. Samsung agreed to four-year updates in early 2021.
DigitalEurope is of course pushing for less stringent requirements. Among other things, they want to limit updates to three years and require only batteries and displays to be sold as is spare parts instead of having everything like cameras and stuff.
The EU proposal to support security updates for five years will take effect in 2023. We will have to watch to see if Germany's request for 7 years passes, or how strong DigitalEurope is in Europe.
