Apple has announced a minimum support period for its iPhone 15 lineup, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The tech giant, for the first time, has pledged it would support the latest iPhone 15 lineup for five years, the media has reported. While this still is two years shorter than the commitments of its main rivals Google and Samsung, it is important to note that Apple has maintained this is the minimum support it guarantees to the iPhone 15 line.
Apple Pledges To Guaranteed Software Support For The First Time
Traditionally, Apple has not offered a guaranteed minimum for software support, even though it often outperforms other handset companies in terms of updates. But now, Apple has committed to a minimum support period for the iPhone.
This comes in the wake of the new UK regulations and Apple has now defined a minimum support period of five years for its iPhone 15 series. Notably, Samsung and Google pledge seven years of Android updates for their Galaxy S and Pixel lineup, respectively.
Notably, on April 29, the UK implemented the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation. This regulation mandates that companies manufacturing, importing, or distributing Internet-enabled products in the UK adhere to specific security standards. The primary aim of the new regulation is to enhance the security of consumer products with Internet connectivity, particularly Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The companies impacted are required to issue compliance statements detailing, among other aspects, the duration for which security updates will be provided.
“The UK’s consumer connectable product security regime came into effect on 29 April 2024. Businesses in the supply chains of these products now need to be compliant with the legislation,” the UK government’s page read.
Since iPhones are Internet-capable devices, Apple must also adhere to the UK’s new PSTI regulation. Therefore, the Cupertino-based tech giant released its compliance statement for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, stating a “defined support period” of at least five years from the “first supply date.” The official launch of the iPhone 15 series has been marked as September 22, 2023.
