Apple confirms guaranteed update period for iPhone 15 Pro Max with shorter support than Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Historically, iPhones have received many more updates than their Android counterparts. Until recently, most Android OEMs would only provide two or three major Android OS updates before discontinuing software support. However, with Google and Samsung flagships now boasting seven years of updates, even companies with traditionally poor software support like Sony are upping their game.

By contrast, Apple has not officially commented on how long different iPhones will continue to receive new software updates. The UK is now forcing to Apple to do so though through its Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulation (PSTI), which has been effective since April 29, 2024. Currently, Apple has not provided details for all its current product stack.

Nonetheless, it has published a compliance statement for the iPhone 15 Pro Max (curr. $1,059.45 - renewed on Amazon), which we have reproduced below. In short, Apple is guaranteeing at least five years of support from the device's launch on September 22, 2023. Please note that the PSTI defines a support period as the timeframe in which a manufacturer publishes security patches, not OS updates. Theoretically, this means that the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers inferior software support than competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Pixel 8 Pro. With that being said, while Apple often exceeds five years of updates with its iPhones and iPads, not enough time has elapsed for Google or Samsung to follow through on their current software pledges.