HONOR has raised the bar with its newly announced commitment to provide seven years of Android operating system and security updates for its flagship Magic series, establishing itself among the industry elite offering such comprehensive long-term support.
HONOR’s extended software support policy now matches commitments from Samsung’s flagship devices and Google’s Pixel line — positioning it as the first and only Chinese manufacturer to offer such lengthy update guarantees. Announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, this move directly addresses growing consumer demands for longer device lifespans and consistent security protection.
The extended support programme, initially rolling out to European markets, will begin with the HONOR Magic7 Pro before expanding to additional flagship models, including both traditional bar-style phones and the company’s foldable offerings. This strategic decision arrives as part of HONOR’s broader corporate transformation outlined in its recently announced ALPHA PLAN.
“The HONOR ALPHA PLAN has a strong emphasis on a consumer-centric approach to our future products,” explained James Li, CEO of HONOR. “We aim to provide devices and services that meet consumer needs and beyond their expectation now and in the future. Therefore, HONOR has decided to offer seven years of Android OS and security updates to the HONOR Magic series.”
The seven-year commitment tackles multiple consumer pain points simultaneously. By ensuring devices receive the latest Android features and security patches through most of their physical lifespan, HONOR effectively extends the usable life of premium devices. This approach not only delivers greater value to consumers but also addresses growing environmental concerns by potentially reducing electronic waste as users may keep their devices longer.
The move positions HONOR at the forefront of a growing industry trend towards longer-term software support. With only two other major manufacturers currently offering similar update commitments, HONOR clearly hopes to differentiate itself in the premium smartphone market while simultaneously establishing new consumer expectations that could benefit the broader smartphone ecosystem.
For consumers, the promise of seven years of updates means Magic series devices will remain secure and capable of supporting the latest applications and services well into the future. It also ensures these devices will continue receiving cutting-edge AI capabilities as they evolve, protecting the consumer’s investment in premium hardware.
As smartphone innovation increasingly shifts from hardware to software-based improvements, HONOR’s commitment signals confidence in their hardware durability while addressing the growing consumer demand for devices that remain relevant longer. The question now becomes whether other manufacturers will follow suit, potentially establishing seven-year update commitments as the new gold standard for premium smartphones.