How many years of updates does a new phone get?
Short answer
Seven years for both Android flagships: Google promises Pixel 11 7 years of OS and security updates, and Samsung promises Galaxy S26 seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. Apple doesn't state a number on its iPhone 17 pages.
Which products can do it?
- Samsung Galaxy S26Yes
Samsung says the Galaxy S26 series gets seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from its global launch.
Good to know: Counted from the February 2026 launch; timing may vary by carrier.
- Google Pixel 11Yes
Google promises Pixel 11 7 years of OS and security updates, plus new features through Pixel Drops.
Good to know: Maker's promise.
Why it matters
A phone without security updates becomes risky to use, so the update promise decides how long it's worth keeping.
Not proven yet
Apple's update period for iPhone 17; we'll add it once we read it on an official Apple page.
How we know (2 sources)
Samsung's US launch release for the Galaxy S26 series: seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from global launch. Alongside Bixby, it offers agents including Gemini and Perplexity, and can handle multi-step tasks in the background, such as booking a taxi with Gemini. AI-powered Call Screening identifies unknown callers and summarizes why they called (needs manual activation; languages vary). General availability from March 11, 2026.
Read the sourceGoogle Store page for Pixel 11 (read Oct 23, 2026): 7 years of OS and security updates; 30+ hours of battery life. Gemini Intelligence can take on routine tasks such as ordering groceries or booking a ride, working with your apps in the background while you can view or end the task. Phone calls are translated in real time in the caller's own voice (select countries and languages). Edits in Google Photos just by asking for them. Call Screen handles unknown callers and Scam Detection warns about likely fraud in calls and messages (select countries; not 100% accurate).
Read the source
Status timeline
No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.
- First recorded: In storesSamsung Galaxy S26
Samsung says the Galaxy S26 series gets seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from its global launch.
- First recorded: In storesGoogle Pixel 11
Google promises Pixel 11 7 years of OS and security updates, plus new features through Pixel Drops.