The New Regulations of the EU Mandate Android to Lengthen Update Obligations
In the interest of consumers, the EU is aiming for Android manufacturers to provide longer support.
Key points to consider:
– The EU’s new “Ecodesign Regulation” is influencing smartphone manufacturers, requiring OEMs to extend support for devices and consumers.
– According to the new stipulations, Android devices must receive no less than five years of operating system and security updates following “the end of sales.”
– Samsung and Google currently offer seven years of updates for devices; however, this timeline commences as soon as the phone is released.
The EU is allegedly implementing a fresh set of guidelines and regulations pertaining to smartphones that will affect Android devices in the area.
A recently published report by the European Commission regarding smartphones reveals that companies will have several new regulations to comply with later this month. The document outlines the EU’s “Ecodesign Regulation,” which will soon compel smartphone OEMs to provide a minimum of five years of updates for their devices and customers.
There is speculation that this regulation might influence how smartphone manufacturers deliver updates on a global scale.
It’s important to highlight a key detail regarding this new information: the five-year guideline pertains to OS and security updates post-“the end of sales.” Reports indicate that this new regulation will also encompass tablets. As mentioned in the publication, this change is expected to foster greater “certainty” for consumers when utilizing their devices over an extended timeframe.
This regulation is anticipated to take effect on June 20, 2025. Nonetheless, the EU’s guidelines will not affect devices manufactured/launched prior to this date. Any smartphones and tablets entering the market after June 20 will need to adhere to the EU’s revised policy.
Android Updates for Users:
Conversely, the EU’s new regulations applicable from June 20 also encompass Energy Labelling requirements. These environmentally friendly design regulations for devices in the EU mandate manufacturers to disclose the durability of their phones/tablets against drops/dust/water and ensure their batteries can “withstand 800 charge and discharge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of their original capacity.”
OEMs are also required to disclose the repairability of a device. Furthermore, manufacturers should guarantee that parts for repairs are accessible for a minimum of “7 years after the end of sales of the product model in the EU market.”
It’s important to note that Google, similar to Samsung, has transitioned to a seven-year update cycle for devices. While this is commendable, particularly with the announcement of this initiative for the Galaxy S24 series, one truth remains: hardware is finite. This means your device is still significantly limited by the technology contained within it. For instance, Samsung claims that many of its AI functionalities rely on its “Personal Data Engine,” software that fundamentally requires the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Older chipsets won’t suffice this time.
This is likely a challenge consumers will need to navigate, especially if they wish to utilize these newer, more sophisticated AI capabilities. If not, at the very least, you can soon enjoy the reassurance of updates over an extended period.
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