Apple Inc. AAPL has finally disclosed the minimum period for which it will provide security updates to its iPhones, in compliance with the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation.
What Happened: Apple’s defined support period for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a “minimum five years from the first supply date,” which was Sept. 22, 2023, the company said in its official filing.
This means that the iPhone 15 series is guaranteed to receive security updates until Sept. 22, 2028.
Despite this, Apple’s security update policy is not the most comprehensive in the industry.
Both Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google assure seven years of security updates and Android OS updates for their flagship devices, two years longer than Apple’s guarantee.
It is worth noting that Apple has provided more than five years of security updates for its iPhone devices.
Some iPhones have received security updates six or more years after the initial release, which is significantly longer than the majority of Android devices.
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Why It Matters: The disclosure of Apple’s iPhone security update policy comes at a time when the tech giant is facing increasing scrutiny over its App Store fees and practices.
The revelation of its security update policy, which falls short of its competitors, may further impact Apple’s standing in the industry.
Apple’s competitors, including Samsung and Google, have been making significant strides in the smartphone market.
For example, Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, launched in 2023, have been competing head-on with Apple’s iPhone 15 series.
Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series has been drawing inspiration from Apple and Google, further intensifying the competition in the smartphone market.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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