European Union working on 5-year update standard for Android phones, improving battery life: All 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 five years with extensive software support, said to be the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road. . The European Commission has closed the feedback window for member states. and is currently accepting public feedback until September 28.

According to a report by 9to5Google citing a draft regulation draft regulations, the European Commission has proposed a number of measures aimed at Android smartphone manufacturers, with the aim of reducing e-waste. According to the report, the committee has suggested that smartphone brands and manufacturers should start delivering major updates in three years or so. Android version updates and 5 years of Android security patches in the EU and member states.

The move is expected to increase the handset’s lifespan by five years, the equivalent of removing 5 million cars from the road, according to the draft regulation. According to the report, the suggested update schedule is similar to provided by Google for myself Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphone. The Commission has also suggested that companies should also provide at least five years of repair and after-sales service.

The European Commission has also suggested that the European Union should require all smartphone brands to install batteries that can retain at least 83% of their rated capacity after 500 charge cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles. period.

Currently, only Apple claim that the batteries on iPhone models can maintain up to 80% of their rated capacity after 500 charge cycles. The commission is currently accepting feedback from the public through September 28 and aims to implement the new rules by 2024.

In June, the European Union reported completed an agreement that forces all smartphone brands to use USB Type-C ports. Apple is set to begin shipping iPhone models in the European Union with a USB Type-C port in 2024, replacing its proprietary Lightning connector.