To find out how many updates your phone is expected to get, identify its exact model and check the manufacturer’s official support policy. The phone’s Check for updates screen shows whether an update is available now; it usually does not tell you how many future operating-system upgrades or security patches remain.
Find your phone’s exact model
- Open Settings and look for About phone or About device. On an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About.
- Record the marketed model and, if available, its model number. Note the country or region and whether it is a carrier variant; eligibility and delivery can differ by model or market.
- Search the manufacturer’s official site for the model plus terms such as “software update policy,” “OS upgrades,” “security updates,” or “support end date.” Use the exact model rather than relying on the brand or product family alone.
For qualifying Android Enterprise Recommended devices, Google’s requirements call for manufacturers to publish security-support end dates and patch information. That program requirement should not be treated as a promise for every Android phone. Google’s Android Enterprise Recommended requirements explain what participating devices must disclose.
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Separate major upgrades from security updates
“Updates” can mean different things. A major operating-system upgrade moves a phone to a new Android or iOS version. Security updates and smaller patches protect or improve the version already installed. Apple also identifies Background Security Improvements as a distinct update type. Its software update deployment guide describes these categories; its update explainer says, “Updates consist of frequently released patches that help secure or enhance the current operating system and that are designed to keep devices protected.”
When a manufacturer promises a number of OS upgrades, do not assume that number also describes the security-support period. Look for both the major-version commitment and the security-update end date or duration, along with any published patch frequency.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Check the commitment’s start date and conditions
A support period may be counted from the phone’s first availability or sale, not from the day you purchased it. For example, Google’s Pixel support terms count from first availability on the Google Store in the US. To estimate the time remaining, find that start point and compare it with the support duration; do not count from your own purchase date unless the manufacturer says to.
Also read conditions attached to the commitment. Google says Pixel updates roll out gradually and can depend on carrier and device; delivery may take a few weeks. Samsung says model eligibility, supported functions, and timing can vary by model, country, or network operator, and that schedules can change. A delay on your phone does not by itself establish that support has ended.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
How to check by phone brand
Google Pixel
Google’s current Pixel update and support page lists the covered models and their support periods. It says Pixel 8 and later models listed there receive seven years of OS and security updates, counted from first availability on the Google Store in the US. Listed Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 family models, including applicable A-series and Fold models, receive five years from that same start point. Google says support has ended for Pixel 5a and earlier models on the page, so check the current model list rather than applying a family-wide rule.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo see whether an update is ready on a Pixel, open Settings → System → Software update. This reports current update status, not a count of future updates. Google’s 2023 announcement described the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro commitment as “seven years of software support,” including the latest Android operating system, security updates, and Feature Drops. Google’s Pixel 8 announcement provides that original statement; use the current support page to check which models and terms apply now.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Apple iPhone
Apple does not provide a forward-looking count of future major iOS versions for each iPhone in its release listing. Instead, its security releases page shows which models can install each listed release. Check the exact iPhone against both the newest major release and any security releases for older iOS branches. An iPhone that cannot install the newest major iOS version may still receive security updates for an earlier branch; eligibility can change, so consult the live list.
Samsung and other Android phones
For Android phones other than Pixel, Google directs users to the device manufacturer for update information. Search the official support site using the exact model number, and look for OS-upgrade commitments separately from security-maintenance information.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Samsung’s security update scope page lists model-related security maintenance information. Treat a release schedule as information about updates being issued, not necessarily as the full support promise for that phone. Samsung notes that eligibility and schedules may change after review, updates can be paused for emergency fixes, and availability can vary by model, country, or operator.
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What to do when no future count is published
If the official source does not state a future major-version count or a clear security-support end date for your exact model, report that the commitment was not stated in the source you checked. Do not turn a phone’s past update history into a guaranteed future number. For a definitive answer, contact the manufacturer with the model number and region.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
If you are comparing phones, compare the promises rather than reducing them to one vague “updates” figure:
Quick Recap
- Number or duration of guaranteed major OS upgrades.
- Security-update end date or duration, and any stated patch frequency.
- The date from which each commitment is counted.
- Model, region, carrier, or other eligibility and delivery conditions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
