In addition to the ambition of increase the lifetime of phones via simplified likelihood of repair service it includes a new EU legislative proposal also procedures for technique updates. Just like an expired battery, for illustration, outdated or unsafe software program can shorten the everyday living of a cellular telephone.
In accordance to the proposal, companies have to deliver security updates for at the very least 5 yrs, as nicely as “feature updates” (which we interpret as Android updates) for a few many years. Stability updates have to be submitted no later on than four months right after community launch.
Samsung by now exceeds the prerequisites proposal as the maker gives four generations of Android updates and 5 yrs of security updates to a assortment of models, but for other gamers the regulations would be a large modify.
Not all producers are content with the proposal. Buying and selling group Digital Europe reported requirements for spare areas could guide to stock, probable overproduction and destruction of unsold pieces, which could lead to extra squander and higher selling prices for shoppers.
Xiaomi in the Netherlands states in a comment that updates occasionally rely on external parties (this sort of as chip brands) and that hence system routine maintenance is not usually totally the accountability of the brands. The organization also claims third-bash repairs can pose “serious hazards to customers in terms of good quality, protection and security.”
If approved, the proposal could go into influence at the close of 2023.
–