Smartphones have become part and parcel of our lives. We use them for contacting everyone around the corner. We need them for finding the nearest route to a new place we are visiting. Whatever question you have these phones can provide you all possible answers within a fraction of a second.
The thing is, like every other machine, these smartphones also need timely maintenance. Their software needs to be updated from time to time, to make sure that it keeps on running smoothly and is capable of defending unwarranted foreign intrusions.
Software updates are important
The longer the gadget is supported, the more preference is given by users to buy them. The smartphone pioneer, Apple is the undisputed leader for gadget support. Apple smartphones receive updates for at least five years, making them relevant for a long time.
But the picture is not so rosy in the case of Android mobiles. Most manufacturers offer device support for 2 years. Very few offer software updates for a longer period. Samsung and OnePlus are among those who keep supporting their devices for more than two years.
German Government is making a legislation
We all feel that it would have been better if smartphone manufactures would have software updates for a longer period. But very few of us stand up against this practice. But the German government has decided to take the matter into its own hands by legislating them to support gadgets for 7 years.
The government is in talks with the European Commission to force manufacturers to provide security updates and replacement parts for smartphones and tablets within seven years.
Reduction in Smartphone production, a safer environment
This initiative will yield two results, increasing the reliability and maintainability of devices. It is believed that such extended support will increase the life cycle of devices. This will result in improving the environmental situation, as the production of smartphones will decline.
It should be noted that the main reason for which Android users switch to the iPhone is the longer software support. So if Android smartphone manufacturers follow this step, we will see a huge drop in users switching to iPhones. In addition, smartphone sales will definitely decline, as the devices will last for a long time and users will not resort to changing their devices at the usual frequency.
So, it is difficult to get the manufacturers on board with this policy as it will reduce the overall revenue of the company.
Also, it is important to note that if the European Commission agrees to impose a 7-year cycle for providing security updates to companies, then the rule itself will enter into force no earlier than 2023.
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