All articles tagged with #software support
Upgrade when performance or security updates falter, but the best deals come from maker events and carrier promos—unlocked phones often yield the strongest trade-ins; watch Apple, Samsung, and Google launch periods and holiday sales, and note Samsung/Google tend to offer longer software support (around seven years) than some brands.
The author considers switching from the Pixel 9a to the upcoming OnePlus 15R due to its larger battery, faster charging, and premium materials, but is held back by concerns over display size, software support duration, and camera quality, ultimately deciding to stick with the Pixel for now.
Nintendo will continue supporting the original Switch with new game releases even as it shifts focus to the upcoming Switch 2, emphasizing a balance between launching new titles and maintaining existing popular games to sustain platform momentum.
Debian's APT package manager will require Rust support by May 2026, prompting Debian ports lacking Rust to either develop support or be discontinued, emphasizing modern tool adoption for future development.
The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into SAP, focusing on its practices related to software support services for its on-premises ERP software, amid concerns of market distortion, as SAP works to shift more towards cloud services amidst competition from Microsoft and Oracle.
Apple announced that macOS Tahoe 26 will be the last update supporting Intel-based Macs, as support for these devices will end with macOS 28, with only limited Rosetta 2 functionality remaining for older apps. Full support for Intel Macs will cease next year, but security updates will continue for three more years, marking the end of an era as Apple fully transitions to its custom silicon.
Apple announced that macOS 26 Tahoe will be the last version supporting Intel Macs, with future releases like macOS 27 only compatible with Apple Silicon Macs from 2020 onward, although Intel Macs will still receive security updates for a few more years.
Google has officially ended support for Android Lollipop, nearly 10 years after its release. This means no more updates for Google Play services on devices running Android 5.0-5.1.1, which currently account for less than 1% of active Android devices. Users are encouraged to upgrade to newer versions for continued security and feature updates.
Apple has announced a minimum of five years of software support for the iPhone 15 family due to new UK regulations, which is two years less than the seven years promised by Google and Samsung for their flagship devices. However, Apple may still provide support beyond this minimum period.
Samsung is ending support for its Tizen OS on smartwatches by the end of 2025, having already transitioned to Wear OS for its newer devices. Starting today, new Tizen Watch content will be blocked from the Galaxy Store, and by September 30, 2025, all services related to Tizen OS will cease, including the availability of purchased watch faces. Existing downloads will remain on devices.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 is set to debut with a new display, powerful AI features, and a thinner design, with plans to launch at the Galaxy Unpacked event in July, potentially aligning with the Summer Olympics. The device will receive seven years of software support and Android updates, signaling Samsung's commitment to the longevity of its foldable devices and reassuring consumers about their investment.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 will come with seven years of software support and Android updates, as well as seven years of security updates and patches, signaling the company's commitment to keeping the foldable device secure and up-to-date. This move aligns with Google's announcement of a seven-year support window for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets, and sets the Z Fold 6 apart from other flagship smartphones that offer shorter support periods. This decision is likely to be well-received by consumers, as it reflects Samsung's dedication to ensuring the longevity of its cutting-edge foldable smartphones.
Samsung is set to roll out the Galaxy AI update to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5 in March, making buying last year's Samsung phones a viable option to save money while still getting the AI features. Promotional trade-in values and instant savings are currently active on Samsung's website, allowing for significant discounts on older Galaxy devices. However, buyers should consider the shorter software support for older models compared to the 7 years of support for the Galaxy S24 series and beyond.
The Vivo X100 Pro has been launched in Europe with flagship-level specs and pricing comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, featuring high-end hardware such as a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset and 100W wired charging. However, it falls short in software support compared to competitors, offering only three major Android OS updates and a limited European release in Austria and Czechia.
AppleCare+ for Apple Vision Pro provides service and support from Apple experts, extending coverage to include unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection and battery service. It offers 24/7 priority access to Apple experts, Express Replacement Service, and software support for visionOS and iCloud. Customers can purchase coverage on a fixed term or monthly plan, with service fees for damage to included accessories and other accidental damage.