EU working on 5-year update standard for Android phones, extended battery life: all the details

Smartphone makers may have to start offering three years of major Android updates and five years of security patches in the European Union, according to a new draft regulation. The proposed changes could increase the lifespan of smartphones and other devices by up to 5 years thanks to enhanced software support, which is said to be the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road. The European Commission has already closed the feedback window for member countries. and is currently accepting feedback from the public through September 28th.

According to report by 9to5Google with a link to the draft resolution draft resolution, The European Commission has proposed a series of measures aimed at manufacturers of Android smartphones to reduce e-waste. According to the report, the commission has invited smartphone brands and manufacturers to start providing three years of Android major or version updates and five years of Android security patches in the European Union and its member countries.

The move is expected to increase the lifespan of the phones to five years, the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road, according to the draft regulation. According to the report, the proposed upgrade schedule is similar to that of offered by Google for their Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones. The Commission also suggested that companies also offer repair and after-sales service for at least 5 years.

The European Commission has also proposed that the European Union require all smartphone brands to install batteries capable of retaining at least 83 percent of their rated capacity after 500 charge cycles and 80 percent after 1,000 charge cycles.

So far only Apple claims that batteries in iPhone models can retain up to 80 percent of their rated capacity after 500 charge cycles. The commission is currently accepting feedback from the public until September 28 and aims to have the new rules in place by 2024.

In June, the European Union reportedly finalized a deal that obliges all smartphone brands to use a USB Type-C port. Apple is expected to start shipping iPhone models in the European Union with a USB Type-C port in 2024 instead of the proprietary Lightning connector.