The longevity of software support for a mobile operating system determines the period during which devices receive updates, including security patches and feature enhancements. For Android 13, this lifespan varies significantly depending on the device manufacturer and whether the device is a Google Pixel or from another Android OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Google Pixel devices typically receive three years of operating system updates and five years of security updates from their initial release date. This timeframe ensures devices remain protected against evolving threats and benefit from software improvements. However, different Android manufacturers have varying update policies, often providing fewer years of both OS and security updates. The absence of ongoing support exposes devices to vulnerabilities and limits access to new features available in subsequent Android versions. This shorter window of support is a factor to consider when purchasing a non-Pixel Android device.
