Should phones be supported for more than 2 years?

[mohit9206]

Phones these days is like a computer. So if a 10 year old computer can be updated to Windows 10 then being that phones are also computers, why shouldn't they get updates beyond two years?
I don't really care whose problem is it that Android phones never get updates beyond two years, whether its Google's fault, or the carriers, or the handset maker or chipset makers, etc. In the end whoevers fault it is, we are the ones being shortchanged.
There has already been lots of articles and discussion covering this topic but still we have seen no results.
In my opinion, the current 2 year updates policy should be changed to 4 years for hi end phones, 3 years for mid range phones and 2 years for entry level phones.

 

[Ben Hendrickx]

I totally agree! The problem is just that people accept this due to the popularity of smartphones. Besides that manufacturers follow the American model where people usually have a 2 year contract and change phones every 2 years

 

[metllicamilitia]

It would depend on the OS I guess, the iPhone 5, release in 2012, is getting the latest of version of iOS this year. The biggest issue with android is the sheer number of phones out there, and manufacturers making their own skins for it, they need to do that for every phone. I'm sure they don't want to use that much manpower to do that, though it would be nice I agree.

 

[Morty2264]

I agree with this, a hundred percent. Some users will keep a high end or midrange phone that they truly love for over two years; and some people can't afford to upgrade once every year or six months, so I feel like there should be consistent updates for at least three or more years. It can depend on the device, like you said.

 

[hallux]

There are SOO many factors to supporting a device for new OS updates. The SoC/chipset manufacturer needs to provide drivers, the handset OEM needs to take those drivers and build them into an image to then deploy to the devices. Keep in mind, all of this COSTS MONEY for a device that is no longer generating any income for the companies in the chain.

Regarding the comment on Windows 10 being installable on a 10 year-old computer. I will challenge that as I just had to replace the video card in my dad's computer because (guess what?) the card manufacturer is not providing drivers for the old card for Windows 10. That card was 10 years old and was supported on Windows 7, not sure about Windows 8.