What are security updates and why are they important?

Nowadays, cyber criminals do whatever it takes to get into smartphones and tablets. They're looking for a wide range of things, from contact information to your password for online banking. The operating system protects your smartphone and tablet from this threat, but criminals find a leak sometimes. Google (Android) and Apple (iOS) release an update every month to patch up these leaks, so cyber criminals don't stand a chance.

The sooner you receive the security updates, the shorter your device is unprotected. Google (Android) and Apple (iOS) release an update every month. It differs per device how long it takes before you receive this update and can install it. Apple devices always receive the updates straight away, because iOS is especially made for Apple devices. On the other hand, Android manufacturers often use a personalized version of the operating system on their devices. Since they have to adjust the security update accordingly, it takes longer for the update to become available. This can take a month or even 3 months. In the mean time, your device isn't optimally secured.

The longer your smartphone or tablet receives security updates, the longer you can use your device safely. In the product specifications on our website, you can see how long we expect a device to receive security updates. Do we expect security updates for only 1 more year? That means you can use your device completely securely for only 1 more year. How long the device receives updates after its release differs per brand and per product series. Android devices offer updates for at least 2 years, Android One devices for 3 years, and Samsung and Apple even for 5 years.

We've listed how soon and how long you receive security updates for each device. We base our expectations on the information from manufacturers combined with historical data. Of course, we want to inform you about the security updates for your device as accurately as possible. That's why we review the information on security updates every month. That way, the update information is always current.

You've read about security updates in this article. Aside from security updates, software updates are also very important. These software updates are released every year. They usually change the look of the operating system a bit, but a software update makes important changes behind the scenes as well. For example, an update can make your device faster or make the battery last longer.