The best part is that long-term update support is no longer rare. The “support gap” between iPhones and Android devices has narrowed significantly, with several Android brands now committing to extended timelines. But there is still a big difference between “we might update it” and a clear, public commitment that includes how many OS upgrades you’ll receive, how long security patches will continue, and how consistent delivery tends to be.
In this guide, we’ll break down what update support really means, why it matters in everyday use, and which smartphones in 2025 offer the best long-term software support. We’ll also include smart tips for verifying update promises before you buy.
What Software Update Support Really Means
Software updates generally come in three main categories. First are major operating system upgrades, such as moving from one Android version to the next. These upgrades often add features, change the interface, and improve performance. Second are security updates, which patch vulnerabilities discovered over time. Third are feature updates that may arrive as part of the OS or as separate “feature drops” depending on the brand.
When brands advertise “X years of updates,” it’s important to check what they mean. Some brands promise a certain number of Android version upgrades, but do not clearly explain the security patch timeline. Others promise a security window but only deliver major OS upgrades for a shorter time. The best-supported phones in 2025 are the ones with long OS upgrade commitments, long security commitments, and a reliable track record of delivering those updates in a reasonable time frame.
Why Long Update Support Matters in 2025
Updates matter for more than just new emojis. Security patches protect your banking apps, passwords, photos, and personal data. Major OS upgrades keep the phone compatible with new apps and services. Many accessibility improvements, battery optimizations, and privacy features also arrive through updates rather than hardware changes.
Long support is also a money-saving strategy. If your phone is updated for seven years, you can realistically keep it for four to five years (or more) without feeling left behind. That reduces e-waste, lowers your yearly cost of ownership, and makes premium devices feel more worth it.
How We Chose the Best-Supported Phones
The phones listed below are selected based on clear public commitments for OS and security updates, plus the brand’s reputation for actually delivering updates. Where possible, the strongest picks have a published, long-term support promise rather than vague marketing language.
Keep in mind that availability varies by region and carrier. Some carriers delay updates, and some models (even within the same brand) receive different support timelines. Still, these picks represent the best options in 2025 if your priority is long-lasting software support.
1) Google Pixel 8 Series and Newer Pixel Models
If you want the clearest and most straightforward Android update promise in 2025, it’s hard to beat Google’s Pixel lineup starting from Pixel 8. Google has publicly committed to long-term support for Pixel 8 and later devices, covering both OS upgrades and security updates for an extended period. That means your phone is far more likely to stay current well into the late 2020s or beyond, depending on the exact model and release date.
Another advantage is delivery speed. Pixels typically receive Android updates and security patches early, often setting the pace for the Android ecosystem. For users who care about getting new Android features fast and maintaining strong security without guessing games, Pixels remain the most predictable choice.
Who it’s best for: anyone who wants the longest and simplest Android support promise, plus fast updates and “first in line” access to new Android features.
2) Samsung Galaxy S24 Series and Other Eligible Galaxy Flagships
Samsung has aggressively improved its update policies, and in 2025 the brand is firmly in the “top tier” for long-term Android support. Samsung has publicly stated that the Galaxy S24 series offers seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, which is a major leap compared to older Android norms.
Samsung’s advantage is scale: the company sells globally, and its flagship devices often get strong update attention. Samsung’s One UI also adds meaningful features on top of Android, so updates frequently bring practical improvements in multitasking, privacy tools, device continuity features, and camera processing.
The main caveat is that some Samsung devices may receive updates later than Pixels, especially when major Android versions first launch. But Samsung has improved consistency significantly, and for many buyers, the combination of premium hardware and long support makes Galaxy flagships a strong long-term investment.
Who it’s best for: Android users who want a premium flagship experience with long support, great hardware variety, and a mature ecosystem of features.
3) Fairphone 5
Fairphone is the most “longevity-first” phone brand in the mainstream conversation, and the Fairphone 5 is a standout if your definition of support includes sustainability and repairability. Fairphone publishes a detailed support roadmap for the Fairphone 5, including multiple Android version upgrades and an extended security update timeline.
What makes the Fairphone approach special is that it is not only about software. The device is designed for longer use through easier repairs and replaceable parts. That means the software promise is backed by a product philosophy that expects users to keep the phone for many years. For people who want a phone that can be maintained rather than replaced, Fairphone is one of the best answers in 2025.
The trade-off is that Fairphone is not always the best pick for raw performance or camera processing versus top flagships. But if your priority is long-term ownership and a clear support plan, it deserves a top spot.
Who it’s best for: users who want long-term security updates and a repairable phone built for many years of real-world use.
4) Apple iPhone Models With Strong Ongoing iOS Support
Apple does not typically advertise a simple “X years of updates” number the way some Android brands do, but iPhones are widely recognized for receiving software updates for many years. In practice, iPhone models often receive major iOS versions and security patches for a long time compared to much of the smartphone market.
The biggest advantage is consistency. iOS updates tend to roll out to many supported iPhone models on the same day worldwide, without the same fragmentation issues Android users can face across brands and carriers. This is especially valuable if you prioritize timely security updates, stable long-term performance, and a predictable app ecosystem.
The realistic approach in 2025 is to view iPhones as long-supported devices, but to verify model-by-model support expectations rather than relying on a fixed official timeline. If long support is your goal, buying a newer iPhone model is a safer bet than buying an older discounted device, even if the older one is still “supported today.”
Who it’s best for: users who want consistent, same-day updates across supported devices, long-term iOS stability, and strong ecosystem support.
5) OnePlus Flagship Line With Extended Commitments
OnePlus has made public commitments around extended update support for selected devices, including multiple generations of OxygenOS (Android) upgrades and multi-year security updates. In 2025, this makes OnePlus a strong “value flagship” option for buyers who want a smooth, fast Android experience without giving up long-term support entirely.
OnePlus devices are often praised for performance, fast charging, and responsive software. With improved update commitments compared to earlier years, modern OnePlus flagships can be more practical for long-term ownership than many midrange phones that receive shorter support windows.
The key here is selection: OnePlus policies can vary between flagship and Nord series lines, and region can matter. Before buying, confirm the exact device’s stated support window.
Who it’s best for: buyers who want a fast, clean-feeling Android phone with stronger long-term support than typical midrange options.
Honorable Mentions and What to Watch
In 2025, several other brands are improving their update promises, but the details can be less consistent across regions and product lines. Some manufacturers publish security update pages, while others announce support timelines in launch press releases. These can be helpful, but you should still verify whether the promise applies to your exact model, your market, and your carrier version.
Also watch for wording differences. A promise of “up to” a certain number of years can be weaker than a promise that clearly states the duration and what it includes. The best commitments are easy to understand, model-specific, and backed by public documentation.
How to Verify Update Support Before You Buy
If you want the best update support, do not rely only on a store listing or a quick spec sheet. Instead, check the brand’s official support statement or policy page for your model. Look for how many OS upgrades are promised and how long security patches will continue. If possible, search for the model on the brand’s official update schedule page or security bulletin pages.
Next, consider the release date. Even if two phones offer “seven years,” a phone released earlier reaches the end of support earlier. If you are buying in 2025, it may be smarter to buy a newer model in a supported lineup rather than an older flagship at a discount, especially if you plan to keep it for many years.
Finally, keep carrier influence in mind. Unlocked models often receive updates faster than carrier-locked models in some markets. If updates are a top priority, consider buying unlocked when possible.
Which One Should You Choose
The “best” phone for updates depends on what kind of user you are. If you want the clearest Android update promise and the fastest delivery, choose a modern Google Pixel model. If you want a premium Android flagship with long-term support and tons of features, Samsung’s Galaxy flagships are excellent. If you want a phone designed for long-term ownership and repairability, Fairphone is hard to beat. If you want consistent iOS updates and deep ecosystem integration, an iPhone remains a strong option. And if you want a performance-focused Android phone with improved commitments, OnePlus deserves consideration.
The bigger takeaway is that in 2025 you can finally buy a phone with long-term support without feeling forced into one ecosystem. That’s good for consumers, good for security, and good for the planet.
Conclusion
Software support is the silent feature that determines how long your phone stays useful. The brands leading in 2025 are the ones treating updates as part of the product, not an afterthought. Choosing a phone with strong update support is one of the smartest ways to get more value from your purchase, stay protected online, and avoid upgrading before you actually need to.
If you’re shopping this year, make update support part of your checklist right next to the camera, battery, and performance. Your future self will thank you.
