We've all got that one subject that instantly gets our pulse going the moment it comes up — where you suddenly switch into full-on debate mode, just waiting for someone to say something so you can unleash your passion. To be honest, I’ve got a few of those topics, but one of them is definitely environmental issues.

Now, before you worry, I’m not planning to chain myself to a road or throw soup at a masterpiece. My commitment to the planet is more... grounded in daily life. It’s found in small actions, routines, and yes, even in how I view technology and sustainability.

That’s why I was genuinely thrilled when I heard Nothing is committing to offering up to 7 years of software updates for its upcoming Phone (3). That’s a big deal. And from my perspective, the more companies follow the path set by Google, Samsung, and Apple, the better off both the tech industry — and maybe even the environment — will be in the years ahead.

7 years of software support is quite significant and it really makes a difference

So, why do I say this? For starters, not everyone upgrades their phone every year or two. Many people keep their devices for as long as they possibly can. Case in point: I'm still using my iPhone 13 mini. It continues to receive the latest iOS updates, and as long as that continues, there's no reason for me to replace it.

But this isn’t only about extending ownership. When we talk about environmental impact, we must consider circularity — keeping devices in use for longer to reduce emissions from manufacturing and supply chains.

This relates directly to Scope 3 emissions, with smartphone manufacturing alone accounting for an enormous 70 to 90% of a phone’s total lifecycle emissions. So yeah, making phones last longer isn't just good practice — it’s crucial for reducing environmental harm.

A global survey involving over 13,000 mobile users across 32 countries confirmed what many suspect: people care. Around 90% of respondents said they want phones that are durable, easy to fix, and supported with long-term software and security updates. No surprise, right? It turns out most of us aren't just chasing the newest gadget.

And the numbers confirm it: average upgrade cycles have stretched to around 3.5 years globally. New phone sales dropped 15% between 2021 and 2023, while used and refurbished phone sales increased by the same percentage. Nearly half of surveyed consumers said they’d consider buying a refurbished device next time — and the main motivator? Saving money. Not necessarily saving the planet, but hey — it still helps.

That’s also exactly why extended software support is becoming more critical than ever. When you're done using your latest iPhone or Galaxy phone, someone else might want to continue using it. You get some cash back, they get a solid phone (new to them), and the planet benefits. Triple win.

This is why I hope to see more brands stepping up. I’m especially looking at Motorola here. You make great devices — like the Razr Ultra (2025) with top-tier specs — but where’s the long-term update support it deserves? Come on, Moto. Let’s make this happen.

That being said, I do believe pressure is working. Eventually, they’ll all come around. Because it’s not just customers asking for change — regulators are pushing for greener, more sustainable practices too. When pressure builds from multiple directions, real change becomes not just possible — but practically inevitable (imagine a praying hands emoji here).

But does “more” always mean “better”?

Well… not exactly. Simply promising longer software support doesn’t automatically make a phone more useful over time, as OnePlus president Kinder Liu once pointed out. The truth is, it's not just about receiving updates. It’s also about whether your phone can actually run them smoothly without feeling sluggish or broken.

That’s why extended support really makes sense mostly for… flagship models. You know, the phones and tablets built to endure and still perform well after several years. These don’t lose value quickly and remain relevant longer in terms of hardware, too.

While we don’t yet have updated stats for best-selling refurbished phones from this or last year, a quick glance at 2022 shows a clear trend: iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 8, Galaxy S9 Plus, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21 Ultra… sound familiar?

Yep — every single one of those is a high-end model. And honestly, things haven’t changed much since then. Refurbished premium phones are amazing deals. Take the Galaxy S23 Ultra — you can grab one for around $479 on Amazon right now — and it’s still a powerhouse. If you want something newer, the Galaxy S24 Ultra from last year goes for about $688 and is expected to receive updates until 2031. That could include Android 21. Not bad for a "used" phone, huh?

But again, this logic applies mainly to flagship devices. I really don’t think a budget phone like the Galaxy A06 needs seven years of updates. It’s just not built to last that long — hardware-wise or otherwise.

A future filled with flagship phones?

So yeah, longer software support means refurbished phones are about to become even more appealing — and that’s not just great news for the planet, it also means that in the near future, we could all be walking around with a flagship-level device in our pocket.

Think about it. As prices drop each year with the arrival of new models while updates keep coming, buying a 3- or 4-year-old flagship might actually be a smarter move than opting for a brand-new budget phone that won’t stay relevant for more than a couple of years anyway.

And this shift will only gain momentum as new regulations take effect. The EU is already pushing phone makers to return to some old-school thinking: devices that are easier to repair, with swappable batteries (yes, really), and parts that don’t cost a fortune to replace.

That pressure has already had an effect. Apple’s iPhone 16 is the most repairable iPhone in years — and thanks to this push, there's even speculation that Apple might reintroduce user-replaceable batteries by 2027. That’s huge.

Samsung is moving forward too. When the company announced 7 years of OS updates for the Galaxy S24, it also expanded its Samsung Care self-repair program to cover more models and components, giving users greater control over fixing their own devices.

Of course — some will argue these long update promises are just PR moves. And to be fair, they probably are. But that doesn’t mean they’re meaningless. If these commitments help nudge the industry toward a greener direction and give our planet a bit more breathing room, I say let the companies show off. As long as the end result benefits all of us, I’m totally fine with it.

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