Android OEMs are increasingly enhancing their software update policies to provide extended support for their devices. Currently, leaders like Google and Samsung are setting high standards, offering up to 7 platform upgrades and 7 years of security updates for their latest flagship models.
OnePlus, a prominent Chinese OEM, has notably improved its update commitments in recent years. For instance, its flagship OnePlus 12 promises 4 Android version updates and 5 years of security patches, marking a significant advancement in its support strategy.
Building on this progress, OnePlus has announced even more robust software support for its upcoming mid-range device, the OnePlus Nord 4. This model will receive 4 platform upgrades and 6 years of security updates, a notable improvement compared to the industry norm for mid-range smartphones, which typically receive fewer updates.
Despite these strides, OnePlus still trails behind Google in the mid-range segment. Google’s Pixel 8a, for example, will enjoy 7 Android upgrades and 7 years of security patches, positioning it as the benchmark for comprehensive software support in this category.
Nonetheless, OnePlus’s commitment to enhancing support for its devices reflects a positive direction for the company, especially considering its earlier, more limited promises for the Nord lineup.
Looking forward, OnePlus is expected to continue expanding its update policies across its product lineup. However, achieving parity with Google’s extensive support remains a challenging goal, as noted by OnePlus’s President and COO, Kinder Liu, who has expressed concerns about potentially compromising user experience with prolonged software support.
The forthcoming launch of the OnePlus Nord 4 during the Summer Launch Event on July 16 signals the company’s ongoing commitment to improving its devices’ longevity and user satisfaction through enhanced software support. This event will also introduce other products like the OnePlus Pad 2, Watch 2R, and Nord Buds 3 Pro, showcasing OnePlus’s comprehensive approach to expanding its product ecosystem.