Chinese smartphone maker HONOR, formerly owned by Huawei, announced a major policy change today for its flagship HONOR Magic series. As part of its new HONOR ALPHA PLAN, the company will offer seven years of Android OS and security updates to EU customers. This extended commitment begins with the HONOR Magic7 Pro, including both bar and foldable models.
A move towards customer-first strategy
The update pledge reflects HONOR’s shift to a more consumer-centric approach. CEO James Li stated the company aims to meet and exceed user expectations with devices and services that last longer, perform better, and remain secure. This move puts HONOR among only three brands currently offering such extended support.
| Brand | OS update in years | Security updates in years |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 7 | 7 |
| Apple | - | 5 |
| Fairphone | 5 | 7 |
| Honor | 7 | 7 |
| OPPO | 4 | 5 |
| vivo | 3 | 3 |
| 7 | 7 | |
| Others (average) | 2 - 3 | 2-3 |
Encouraging industry-wide change
With the launch of the ALPHA PLAN, HONOR is also sending a clear message to the rest of the smartphone industry. The company hopes its initiative will inspire competitors to follow suit and embrace longer update cycles. In doing so, it aims to elevate standards for security, innovation access, and customer value across the board.
Supporting sustainability and device longevity
Beyond user satisfaction, the new policy also aligns with growing concerns around sustainability. By prolonging device lifespans and reducing the frequency of upgrades, HONOR contributes to reducing e-waste in the EU and supports responsible consumer electronics practices. Devices will also benefit from the latest AI technology throughout their longer life cycles.
An AI-driven future for HONOR
The ALPHA PLAN outlines HONOR’s ambition to evolve from a smartphone brand into a leading AI device ecosystem. The three-step strategy aims to build an open, value-sharing ecosystem across industries. This vision positions HONOR as a forward-looking player in the global tech space, focused on innovation and collaboration.
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