Google will Require Android Devices to be Regularly Updated for at least 2 Years

One of the biggest problems with mobile phones is the various vulnerabilities that keep them from functioning properly which is why phone makers constantly issue security updates to deal with the problem.

However, most Android phones don't usually receive updates nearly as often as Google's own Pixel. And even after the updates have been issued, manufacturers still hesitate to provide the updates on time to their brands, preferring to be selective. But it seems as if that is about to change.

According to confidential documents obtained by The Verge, Google will be requiring that Android manufacturers to provide regular security updates for "popular devices" (hardware activated by over 100,000 people) for at least two years. This will apply to any devices released after January 31st of this year. Google plans to enforce this rule next year starting on January 31st, 2019.

The terms of the guidelines require phone makers to supply "at least" four security updates in the first year after a device's release, and to patch any vulnerabilities identified over 90 days ago by the end of each month, no matter how many updates they've already issued.

Any company that fails to honor the requirements on providing updates may not receive approval from Google for any consequent devices and the launch of any its important phone will be blocked.

Although, this new guidelines may not improve how phones receive updates, it could help address the bad habits of those Android makers who either deliver updates sporadically or reserve fixes for certain models. Moreover, getting phone companies to regularly provide security updates for their brands should be able to prevent major vulnerabilities in the future.