Imagine a world where we all carry around flagship smartphones – not because we splurged, but because the tech industry finally figured out how to make phones last.
That world might be closer than you think, and it’s all thanks to a quiet revolution in software support.
The upcoming Nothing Phone (3) is setting the bar high with a promised 7 years of software updates. That’s no small feat. Brands like Google, Samsung, and Apple already offer long-term support, and Nothing joining the party is a strong signal to the rest of the industry: future-proofing matters – not just for users, but for the planet too.
Why is this so important? Because your smartphone’s biggest environmental impact comes long before you drop it. Around 70–90% of a phone’s lifetime emissions come from manufacturing alone. That means the longer we use our devices, the better for the environment. Holding on to your phone for 5+ years instead of 2 doesn’t just save you money – it literally reduces your carbon footprint.
And yes, people do care. A massive survey of 13,000+ users across 32 countries found that 90% want phones that are durable, repairable, and receive long-term updates. Meanwhile, the average upgrade cycle has stretched to 3.5 years, with used and refurbished phone sales rising 15% between 2021 and 2023. Nearly half of buyers say they’d go refurbished next time, mostly to save money. But longer software support makes that decision easier – and smarter.
Flagship phones benefit most from this shift. They’re built to last and can handle new software for years. That’s why the refurbished market is full of heavy hitters: iPhone X, 11, 12 Pro Max, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra – even the Galaxy S23 Ultra is under $500 now. And with the S24 Ultra set to receive updates until 2031, older flagships are becoming more appealing than ever.
Budget phones, on the other hand? Not so much. A device like the Galaxy A06 probably won’t survive seven years of use – not because of updates, but because the hardware simply can’t keep up.
This shift isn’t just consumer-driven – governments are getting involved too. The EU is pushing for sustainable design: easier repairs, user-replaceable batteries, affordable parts. Apple’s already responding, with the iPhone 16 touted as the most repairable model yet, and rumors suggest user-swappable batteries could return by 2027. Samsung’s also stepping up, expanding its self-repair program alongside its 7-year update promise for the S24 series.
Sure, some might say this is all marketing fluff – and maybe it is. But even if companies are doing it for PR, the result is the same: more sustainable devices, longer usability, and fewer phones in landfills. That’s a win no matter how you spin it.
So next time you’re eyeing a new phone, maybe consider a “not-so-new” flagship instead. It could be the smartest – and greenest – tech decision you make.