Samsung and Google lead the mobile industry in 2026 by promising 7 full years of Android OS upgrades and security patches for flagship devices, followed by Apple (5–7 years of iOS updates), Motorola (5 years), and Xiaomi/OnePlus (4 years).
Software longevity is now a major factor in smartphone resale value and security. Based on our specs database audit of 3,000+ smartphones, here is the benchmark ranking of how many years of software updates every major smartphone brand guarantees in 2026.
2026 Smartphone Software Support Ranking Table
| Brand | Flagship OS Guarantee | Mid-Range OS Guarantee | Security Patch Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 7 Years | 4 Years | 7 Years |
| Google Pixel | 7 Years | 5 Years | 7 Years |
| Apple (iPhone) | 5 – 7 Years | 5 Years | 6 – 8 Years |
| Motorola | 5 Years | 2 Years | 6 Years |
| Xiaomi / Poco / Redmi | 4 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years |
| OnePlus | 4 Years | 2 Years | 6 Years |
| Honor | 4 Years | 2 Years | 5 Years |
| HMD / Lava / Rugged Brands | 2 – 3 Years | 1 – 2 Years | 3 Years |
Key Findings from our 2026 Data Study
- 7-Year Support Is the New Gold Standard: Samsung and Google lead the industry, extending device usability until 2033.
- Mid-Range Upgrades Improved: Samsung’s Galaxy A-series now gets 4 full OS upgrades, outperforming competitors’ mid-tier offerings.
- European EU Mandate Impact: EU regulations requiring 5 years of spare parts and security updates have forced all manufacturers to increase baseline support windows.
Read our individual brand trackers including Samsung Android 17 Tracker and Motorola Android 17 Tracker.