Mobile devices that continue to receive operating system updates benefit from new features developed by manufacturers. While devices can function without these updates, it is often precisely these features that prompt people to upgrade to a new device prematurely—for instance, new AI integrations introduced with a new operating system version.
Even if mobile devices no longer receive operating system updates, they are usually still provided with security updates for some time. This means that while you won’t get new features, vulnerabilities are still patched, allowing you to browse the internet, send messages, or perform online banking securely. Once the security support ends, however, you should no longer connect the device to the internet, let alone use it for online banking.
By considering the expected update cycles when purchasing mobile devices, you can not only use them longer (thanks to security updates) but also want to use them longer (because of operating system updates). The longer devices are in use, the fewer devices need to be produced and disposed of, which helps to protect the environment.
By considering the expected update cycles when purchasing mobile devices, you can not only use them longer (thanks to security updates) but also want to use them longer (because of operating system updates). The longer devices are in use, the fewer devices need to be produced and disposed of, which helps to protect the environment.