Europe requires new Android version updates for Christmas and 5 years of repairs

currently leads the way in the standardization of Android and iOS phone manufacturers in the interest of consumers and has released a proposal that mandates the version of the mobile operating system and the speeds of security updates, as well as the ease of recovery of the phones with requirements that go beyond then and onward go each

the US has collected so far, with approval towards the end of the year.

Android and iOS software updates

First, security and major Android and iOS version updates should be available for all phones in these ecosystems sold in the European Union within 2-4 months of their release. Google released Android 13 on August 15, so that would mean every phone, up to the Galaxy A03, would need to be updated before Christmas rolls in if the EC gets its way.

Security updates should be delivered even faster, within two months of a vulnerability discovered and a subsequent update released by Google. In addition, a minimum of 3 years of software support for major OS updates and 5 years for security updates is required.

Apple’s iOS phones and most major Android manufacturers have already committed to similar schemes, so they won’t see much of a struggle here. Samsung has gone even further by promising no less than four years of Android updates and five security updates, so for the largest manufacturer of Android handsets, the new regulations shouldn’t be a problem.

Phone repairability

The other big proposal concerns the repairability of the phones sold in the EU. Repair shops must have access to the original battery, display, cameras, charging ports, mechanical buttons, microphones, speakers and hinges for foldable phones for at least five years after a model has been rejected by the manufacturer.

In addition, phone buyers will also need to access much of that bonanza of repair parts, including screens, SIM trays, microphones, hinges and ports, complete with strewn detailed schematics on how to replace them individually should they wish to do so.

The batteries receive special treatment because their replacement is left to the shops, but the phone manufacturer must provide them with originals or alternatives that meet the 500 charge cycle standard, i.e. they should retain at least 83% charge after 500 , and 80% charge after 1000 cycles.

So the brands under the BBK holding umbrella – Vivo, Oppo and OnePlus – that together have the world’s largest market share of manufactured phones will be way ahead of the rest of the Android or iOS gang. They also already have Android 13, at least the high-end models, so they wouldn’t have any trouble meeting the software update requirements either.

The European Commission says the aim of its latest proposal for an update and repair of phones is to extend the useful life of the handsets from the current three to five years, reducing electronic waste and encouraging recycling. Considering that they have already found their way to Forcing Apple into the USB-C port camp, Android phone manufacturers should also adapt to much more frequent updates to their low-end phones.