Apple commits to 5 years of security updates for the iPhone, but that's not the whole story (2024)

Home>Tech>Mobile

The company typically exceeds this.

ByStan Schroeder on

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Flipboard

Apple commits to 5 years of security updates for the iPhone, but that's not the whole story (1)

The iPhone 6s came out in 2015, but Apple released a security update for it in March 2024. Credit: Anadolu/Getty Images

Apple has a good track record when it comes to security updates for its devices, but now we have the company's first formal commitment for its iPhone, and it sounds surprisingly short: five years of security updates.

The news comes from the UK's new Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regulation, which requires companies that manufacture phones to provide support periods for their devices. Per Apple's filing, for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular, this is a "minimum 5 Years from the first supply date," with the supply date being Sept. 22, 2023.

The PSTI defines a "security update” as a "software update that protects or enhances the security of a product, including a software update that addresses security issues which have been discovered by or reported to the manufacturer."

Mashable Light Speed

Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?

Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

As Android Authority and Google's VP of Engineering Dave Kleidermacher pointed out, this is less than what is offered by some of Apple's competitors. Both Samsung and Google, for example, provide 7 years of security updates and Android OS updates for their latest flagship devices.

That said, while it would've been nice to have a longer formal commitment from Apple, users probably shouldn't worry too much that their phone will become obsolete after five years.

Related Stories

  • Netflix is ending support for older Apple TV models
  • Surprise! It seems that the Apple Vision Pro can track your breathing
  • Apple made a mistake with the M2 iPad Air specs — but here’s why you shouldn’t worry
  • How to change the watch face on your Apple Watch
  • Man hides Apple AirTags in power tools, helps police crack massive theft case

SEE ALSO:

iPhone 16: Every single thing we know so far

Apple typically offers longer support for its devices, especially when it comes to security updates for its phones. For example, in March 2024 the company released a security update for its iPhone 6s models which launched nearly nine years ago, in September 2015. The iPhone 6s models also had seven years of iOS updates, starting with iOS 9 and all the way through to iOS 15.

TopicsiPhone

Apple commits to 5 years of security updates for the iPhone, but that's not the whole story (2)

Stan Schroeder

Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.

Recommended For You

Get iOS 17.5.1 now to fix an iPhone bug that restores deleted photos

The bug was resurfacing long-deleted NSFW content.

By Cecily Mauran

Slew of Google Chrome security holes leaves billions of users impacted

Three zero-day vulnerabilities in less than a week? Update your Chrome browser now.

By Matt Binder

iOS 18 is getting Settings and Control Center updates, according to new rumor

Expect a redesign for Settings.

By Kimberly Gedeon

Apple revamps Siri with a ton of AI features

For the first time in what feels like forever, Siri has gotten a substantial upgrade.

By Alex Perry

The best sexting apps for steamy chats and discreet digital encounters

Burn after reading.

By Amy-Mae Turner and Tabitha Britt

More in Tech

Where the northern lights will be visible thanks to the solar flare

Tonight's forecast calls for auroras.

By Mike Pearl

How to see the Eta Aquarid meteor shower in 2024

The barely-there moon will make for great viewing conditions.

By Mike Pearl

How to see the Lyrid meteor shower despite the bright moon

The moon will be a buzzkill, but it doesn't have to spoil the show completely.

By Mike Pearl

Scientists explore deep sea around Easter Island, find strange animals

It's another world.

By Mark Kaufman

The moon blocked the sun, and the internet reacted with amazing solar eclipse jokes and memes

These posts eclipsed our expectations.

By Christianna Silva

Trending on Mashable

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 14

Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #369.

By Mashable Team

How to watch Euro 2024 online for free

Bypass geo-restrictions to watch every Euro 2024 fixture for free from anywhere in the world.

By Joseph Green

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 14

Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1091.

By Mashable Team

How to watch Germany vs. Scotland online for free

Euro 2024 is finally here and you can watch every game without spending anything.

By Joseph Green

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 14

Stuck on any of the clues? We have the answers you need.

By Mashable Team

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!

  • TECH
  • SCIENCE
  • LIFE
  • SOCIAL GOOD
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • BEST PRODUCTS
  • DEALS

Apple commits to 5 years of security updates for the iPhone, but that's not the whole story (33)

Mashable supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Group Black's collective includes Essence, TheShadeRoom and Afro-Punk.

©2005–2024 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.

Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission.

Apple commits to 5 years of security updates for the iPhone, but that's not the whole story (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5886

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.