Another smartphone manufacturer has now committed to providing seven years of updates.

      Software and security updates have become essential features, akin to displays, cameras, and batteries, as smartphone manufacturers seek ways to set their products apart in a competitive market. The latest entrant to this trend is Honor, which announced a new promise regarding software and security updates during the unveiling of its AI strategy today.

      Honor produces some of the more intriguing smartphones available, and prior to the introduction of the Oppo Find N5, its Magic V3 held the title of the world’s thinnest foldable phone at only 4.4mm. Going forward, all forthcoming foldable and flagship devices will be guaranteed seven years of software and security updates.

      Here’s a rundown of which devices will receive these updates and their implications for users.

      Exploring Honor’s software promise

      Joe Maring / Digital Trends

      Essentially, Honor's promise is straightforward: flagship Honor Magic series phones will receive seven years of software and security updates. This initiative is initially targeting the EU market—which is logical considering Honor phones are not available in the US—but it remains unclear if this commitment applies solely to EU customers or if it is meant for a global audience.

      The first device included in this promise is the Honor Magic 7 Pro, although it is uncertain if any other existing models will receive the same level of support. The company has stated its intention to extend similar support to other flagship models in the future, encompassing both traditional and foldable phones.

      This effectively means that any Magic flagship device should qualify for this support, though it is not clear what qualifies as a flagship. Additionally, there is no guarantee of a specific timeline for updates, as most companies face challenges in meeting their stated update timelines due to various factors.

      Why this promise is significant

      Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

      You might be asking, why is this important? To be frank, for many users, it might not hold much significance. However, as smartphone prices rise, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to keep their devices for longer periods.

      A survey by YouGov in the UK revealed that over 55% of smartphone users wish to hold onto their phones for more than three years. In the US, last year's trade-in analysis indicated that 33% of iPhone users and 22% of Android users had owned their phones for over three years, with the average device lifespan extending to 3.7 years.

      Honor's promise will not affect users in the US, but for those in the UK—particularly buyers of costly foldable phones—it offers some reassurance that their devices will remain functional and up-to-date for several years.

      It is important to note that this promise applies to new devices moving forward; therefore, existing devices like the Honor Magic V3 will likely not benefit from an extension beyond their current commitments of four years for Android updates and five years for security updates. This new promise represents a significant upgrade and aligns Honor with competing brands.

      How this stacks up against competitors

      Honor Magic V3 next to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      The primary competitor—specifically, the most widely available—is Samsung. Recent models such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy S25 series also come with seven years of software and security updates. Samsung initiated this commitment last year with the Galaxy S24 series; therefore, devices released prior are expected to receive four years of software updates and five years of security updates.

      Another major competitor for Honor is Oppo (as well as OnePlus, depending on the region). For the flagship Oppo Find N5 foldable, the company promises only four years of significant operating system updates and six years of security updates. This same update schedule applies to the OnePlus 13, which is surprising given it is a flagship model, similar to the Magic 7 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

      Honor's commitment to updates also aligns it with Google’s Pixel 9 lineup, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—all receiving seven years of guaranteed software and security updates.

      With today’s announcement, Honor becomes the third Android manufacturer to adopt this update schedule. While it is disappointing that existing models, aside from the Magic 7 Pro, will not benefit from this promise, it certainly enhances the appeal of future devices like the Honor Magic V4.