Buying a used phone is one of the easiest ways to save money on quality tech. The catch most shoppers miss: a device is only as future-proof as the software updates behind it. This guide breaks down exactly how long iPhones and Android phones keep getting updates, the difference between the two kinds of updates that matter, and how to check the remaining support window before you buy.
Quick Answer
Recent iPhones get roughly 6 to 8 years of iOS updates. On Android, Google Pixel (8 and newer) and recent Samsung Galaxy flagships now promise 7 years of OS and security updates, while mid-range and budget phones get fewer. Always check a model’s release year and its update window before buying.
OS Updates vs. Security Updates: Know the Difference
Phone makers talk about two separate things when they promise “years of updates,” and the difference matters a lot for a used buyer.
OS updates (operating-system updates) move your phone to the next major version, like Android 16 to Android 17. These bring new features and app compatibility. When OS updates stop, your phone still works, but it’s frozen on its last version.
Security updates (security patches) fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, and they usually keep coming for a while after OS updates end. Security patches are the more important of the two for everyday safety, because they protect your data, your logins, and your banking apps from known exploits.
A phone past its security-update window is the one to watch. The hardware can run fine for years, but it stops getting protection against new threats, and that’s where the real risk lives.
How Long Apple Supports iPhones
Apple doesn’t publish a fixed number of years, but its track record is the most consistent in the industry. In practice, most iPhones receive 6 to 8 years of major iOS updates from their original release date, with roughly 7 years being typical. After a model stops getting new iOS versions, Apple usually continues critical security patches for another year or two.
As of mid-2026, iOS 26 is the current release, and iOS 27 was announced in June 2026 for a fall launch. iOS 26 supports every iPhone from the iPhone 11 forward (anything with an A13 chip or newer), including both the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE. The models that got cut were the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, which are capped at iOS 18.
The takeaway: a used iPhone from the last few generations is a safe bet for long-term support. Even an iPhone 11, released in 2019, is still receiving updates in 2026. For the simplest path to many years of support, browse used iPhones on Swappa and check the model’s release year.
How Long Android Brands Support Phones
Android is where it gets complicated, because the support window depends entirely on the brand and the tier of phone. The good news: the top brands have dramatically extended their commitments in recent years.
Google Pixel leads on Android. Pixel 8 and every newer Pixel (Pixel 9, Pixel 10 lines) get 7 years of both OS and security updates from launch. Older models like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 were extended to 5 years.
Samsung Galaxy matches Google at the top. Galaxy S, Z (foldable), and Tab S models launched in 2024 and later get 7 years of OS and security updates. The mid-range Galaxy A series (recent models) gets 6 years, and other recent Galaxy phones get 4 years. Note that the Galaxy S23 and older did not get the 7-year policy.
OnePlus improved its commitment with the OnePlus 13 generation: 4 major Android updates plus 6 years of security patches on flagships. Nord mid-rangers get fewer (around 2 to 3 OS updates), and budget Nord N models get the least.
Motorola has historically been the weakest, with most phones getting only 2 to 3 OS updates even on premium models. Its new “Signature” line in 2026 is a step up, but if long-term updates are your priority, Motorola is the brand to scrutinize hardest.
Comparison Table: Years of Software Support by Brand
| Brand / Line | OS Updates | Security Updates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone (recent) | ~6 to 8 years | ~7 to 9 years | No fixed policy; iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer |
| Google Pixel 8 and newer | 7 years | 7 years | Counted from US launch date |
| Google Pixel 6 / 7 | 5 years | 5 years | Extended in late 2024 |
| Samsung Galaxy S / Z / Tab S (2024+) | 7 years | 7 years | S23 and older excluded |
| Samsung Galaxy A (recent) | 6 years | 6 years | Mid-range tier |
| Samsung Galaxy (other recent) | 4 years | 4 years | Entry and older flagships |
| OnePlus 13 / flagships | 4 years | 6 years | Improved with 13 generation |
| OnePlus Nord (mid-range) | 2 to 3 years | 3 years | Budget Nord N: less |
| Motorola (most models) | 2 to 3 years | varies | New “Signature” line improving |
Support windows are measured from a phone’s original release or launch date, not the date you buy it used. A 7-year flagship bought three years into its life still has about four years of support left, which is plenty for most buyers.
How to Check the Remaining Support When Buying Used
Because support is measured from the release date, the single most useful number is how old the model is. Here’s how to figure out the remaining runway before you commit.
1. Identify the exact model and release year. Don’t just look for “iPhone” or “Galaxy.” Find the specific model (iPhone 13, Galaxy S24, Pixel 8) and the year it launched. Subtract its age from the support window in the table above.
2. Look up the brand’s official policy. Apple, Google, and Samsung publish the supported-device lists and update commitments. A quick check confirms whether the model still receives security patches today.
3. Match the phone to your timeline. If you keep phones two to three years, almost any recent used model works. If you want five-plus years, prioritize a Pixel 8 or newer, a 2024-or-later Galaxy flagship, or a recent iPhone.
4. Confirm the listing is clean. Software updates don’t matter if the phone can’t be activated. On Swappa, every listing is staff-reviewed with a clean IMEI/ESN, no OS or activation lock, and fully paid off, so the phone is ready to set up the moment it arrives.
This is one area where buying from a verified marketplace pays off. You’re not guessing whether a stranger’s phone is locked or blacklisted. To compare what current models actually cost used, check Swappa’s used phone price guides.
What to Do When Updates End
A phone reaching the end of its support window isn’t instantly useless, but the risks grow over time. Here’s what actually happens.
Security risk rises. Without new patches, known vulnerabilities stay open. Older devices also lack the newer encryption and authentication features that modern apps lean on.
App compatibility erodes. Developers eventually require newer OS versions. The most visible casualty in 2026 is mobile banking: a growing number of banks now block older phones and OS versions outright, locking users out of their accounts even when the hardware works fine.
The phone still functions. For a backup device, a kids’ phone, a music player, or a Wi-Fi-only tablet replacement, an out-of-support phone can have a long second life, as long as you keep sensitive activity off it.
If you want to safely stretch an older device’s usable years, that’s a longevity question more than a buying question. Our Device Care, Repair & Longevity Guide covers how to keep an older phone secure, including what to avoid doing on a device that’s no longer patched.
Why This Matters for Value
Software support is quietly one of the biggest factors in a used phone’s value. A phone with years of updates remaining holds its worth, stays compatible with the apps you rely on, and is safer to use for banking and payments. A phone near the end of its window is cheaper for a reason.
Used phones typically run 30 to 60% off new prices, and the smartest buys are recent models with years of support left. That’s the sweet spot: you skip the new-device premium without inheriting an outdated, soon-to-be-unsupported device. To see how support and condition affect what a phone is worth over time, see Used Tech Resale Value.
Swappa’s flat fee structure (3% per party) is lower than typical auction-site fees, and PayPal buyer protection backs your purchase with dispute resolution. Combined with staff-reviewed listings and 24/7/365 human support, it removes the guesswork from buying a phone that will keep getting updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of updates does an iPhone get?
Recent iPhones get roughly 6 to 8 years of major iOS updates from their release date, plus an extra year or two of security patches after that. As of mid-2026, iOS 26 still supports the iPhone 11 (a 2019 model) and newer.
Which Android phones get the longest software support?
Google Pixel 8 and newer and Samsung Galaxy S, Z, and Tab S models from 2024 onward lead the pack with 7 years of OS and security updates from launch. They currently offer the longest committed Android support.
What’s the difference between OS updates and security updates?
OS updates move your phone to a new major version with new features (like Android 16 to 17). Security updates patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. Security patches are the more important kind for everyday safety and usually continue for a while after OS updates stop.
Is it safe to use a phone after updates stop?
For everyday use with banking and personal data, it’s risky. Without security patches, known vulnerabilities stay open, and many banking apps in 2026 now block older phones entirely. An unsupported phone is fine as a backup, a media player, or a Wi-Fi device you keep sensitive activity off of.
How do I find a used phone’s remaining update window?
Identify the exact model and its release year, then check the brand’s official support policy or the comparison table above. Subtract the phone’s age from its total support window to see how many years of updates remain.
Do banking apps stop working on old phones?
Increasingly, yes. In 2026 a growing number of banks require newer operating systems and block outdated app versions for security compliance, locking some users out of their accounts even though the hardware still runs.
The Bottom Line
Software support is the difference between a used phone that serves you for years and one that’s a dead end. Recent iPhones and top Android flagships now offer support windows long enough that buying used barely costs you any runway. Check the model, check the year, check the policy, and you’ll know exactly how long your next phone will stay safe and current.
Find a verified used phone with years of updates left, backed by staff-reviewed listings and buyer protection.
