For over a decade, smartphone buyers have primarily focused on specifications such as cameras, performance, battery life and charging speeds before making their purchase decision. However, software support has now become just as important, specifically as flagship phone prices continue to rise. Longer update commitments mean devices remain secure, get new features over time and stay relevant years after launch.
If we talk about today, there are several smartphone brands that have extended their software policies, with some promising support that stretches all the way into the next decade. From Google’s Pixel lineup and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series to Apple’s iPhone 17 family, here are some of the smartphones offering the longest software support currently available.
Google with its latest Pixel 10 series offers a really great software longevity with the Pixel 10 series. The company offers seven years of software support across the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The devices were introduced with Android 16 and have already received Android 17. It will get support through Android 23.
Along with the operating system updates, Google is now committing to seven years of monthly security patches and seven years of Pixel Drops, which regularly introduce new AI features, camera tools and interface enhancements.
The long support cycle is backed by the Tensor G5 chipset, Google’s first fully customized Tensor platform manufactured by TSMC. The chip is designed to handle future software requirements while powering on-device AI experiences through Gemini Nano.
Just like Google, Samsung also offers seven year software updates with the Galaxy S26 family, including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. All the devices come pre-loaded with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. The software roadmap means Galaxy S26 users can expect new Android versions, updated Galaxy AI features and security improvements well into the early 2030s. Samsung’s support strategy is supported by either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, depending on the region. The company is also making future software experience around Galaxy AI with deeper integration of services such as Google Gemini and Perplexity AI.
Apple does not publicly specify a fixed number of software updates for its iPhones but based on its recent track record, the iPhone 17 series is said to receive around seven years of software and security support. The lineup launched iOS 26 and is projected to remain supported through iOS 33. This includes the standard iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Apple’s software approach differs from Android manufacturers because updates are released simultaneously across supported devices. New features, security patches and Apple Intelligence capabilities are generally delivered at the same time.
The device comes loaded with Apple’s A19 and A19 Pro processors, which are designed to handle increasingly demanding AI workloads. Apple has also introduced Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) and Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE) technologies to strengthen long-term security.
Motorola Signature launched with Android 16 and comes with a seven-year update commitment. Users can expect seven major Android upgrades through Android 23, along with security updates until June 2032. Along with traditional software maintenance, the company aims to deliver ongoing feature additions via Moto AI updates, camera enhancements and more.
The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, built on a 3nm process. The platform is designed to provide enough performance headroom for future Android updates and AI features. The phone also supports Motorola’s Ready For ecosystem, allowing desktop-style experiences through its USB 3.2 Type-C connection.
The Vivo X300 FE comes with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and is guaranteed five major Android OS upgrades, taking it through Android 21. However, Vivo supplements this with seven years of security updates. The device comes with flagship-grade hardware, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM. Vivo says its OriginOS 6 software includes an “Ultra-Core Computing” framework capable of improving cold app launch performance by up to 18.5 percent. The phone also supports Memory Fusion technology.
If software longevity is your top priority, then the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series are among the best options, thanks to seven years of complete updates and security patches with new feature additions. On the other hand, the Apple iPhone 17 is a strong option for users invested in the iOS ecosystem. Motorola is also offering its Signature with the same 7-year promise.
And if a camera phone is your choice with decent software support, you can definitely go with the Vivo X300 FE as it offers five years of updates.