I normally wouldn’t comment on the launch of new Google phones. But during this week’s release of the new google Pixel 8 smartphones, Google made a surprising announcement.
Google promises to offer seven years of operating system, security and new feature updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones. In other words, while owners may not enjoy faster processors and more memory, they will still have supported devices until at least 2030.
Apple doesn’t make promises like this. For example, let’s look at the Apple Watch.
Earlier this week, Apple declared the original Apple Watch that was released in 2016 is now obsolete. That means it is no longer repairable. And that includes the 24-Karat gold version that cost over AUD$20,000. Software updates stopped for the original Apple Watch back in 2018 (per The Verge).
watchOS 10 still supports the Apple Watch Series 4 which was released in 2018 but that seems to be an anomaly as watchOS updates tend to only support about four device generations.
With iOS, the release of iOS 17 dropped support for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. That trio was released in 2017. So Apple supported them with fresh operating systems for six years. Google’s seven-year promise improves on what Apple does. What makes it stand out is that they have put it into the public domain. Apple’s update policy is more opaque.
While in practice Apple’s policy for smartphone updates is not that different to Google’s, making a promise about support is something Apple should do. By providing clarity to owners about how long they can expect devices to be supported by software updates and hardware repairs Apple can enhance its reputation for great service.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.