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iPhone vs Android Updates in 2025 (Model Highlights and Price List)

Updates decide how long a phone feels new, how safe your data stays, and how well apps run. In 2025, both Apple and top Android brands push longer support and faster delivery. Still, there are clear differences that matter when you plan to keep a phone for years.

Here is what counts as an update: a full OS version (iOS or Android), feature drops that add tools and improvements between major versions, and security patches that protect against new threats. You will get quick takeaways, plain language, and a clear price list for current iPhones and popular Android models.

Prices are U.S. MSRP for October, and they change with promos, storage options, or trade in deals.

How iPhone and Android updates compare in 2025

Photo by Andrey Matveev

• Years of support: Apple usually supports iPhones for many years across major versions. Google now promises up to 7 years on recent Pixels. Samsung sits close with long OS and security updates on S and Z series. OnePlus offers strong but slightly shorter timelines.
• Speed of delivery: Apple ships the same day to all supported models. On Android, Google Pixels get Android first, Samsung follows quickly on flagships, and others trail, sometimes with carrier delays.
• Feature rollouts: Apple bundles big features in major iOS releases and mid-cycle updates. Android adds features in major versions and frequent feature drops, with security delivered monthly or quarterly.

Buy based on how long you plan to keep the phone. If you keep it for 4 to 7 years, update policy can be the difference between a smooth experience and a slow fade.

Apple iOS updates: how long, how fast, what to expect

iOS 18 in 2025 continues Apple’s pattern: day one updates across all supported iPhones, wide compatibility, and stable performance. Apple Intelligence features focus on newer chips, with the best experiences on A18 devices and newer. That matters if you want the latest on-device AI, smarter photo edits, and more helpful Siri.

Real world benefits:

• Security: fast patches and Rapid Security Responses for urgent threats, which install quickly without waiting for a full update. See Apple’s guidance in About iOS updates at Apple Support.
• Camera upgrades: better image processing, smarter HDR, and new capture modes show up in major versions.
• Quality of life: useful tweaks like better autocorrect, new Control Center tiles, and more flexible notifications.

iPhones tend to get major versions for many years, which boosts resale value. A 4 or 5 year old iPhone that still gets current iOS and the latest apps is easier to sell or trade.

Android updates by brand: Google, Samsung, and OnePlus

Modern Android update policies have improved a lot:

• Google Pixel: long support, with day one Android releases and regular feature drops. The latest Pixels offer up to 7 years of Android and security updates. That sets the standard for longevity and peace of mind.
• Samsung Galaxy S and Z: long OS and security coverage on flagships, with fast rollout on unlocked models. Monthly or quarterly patches keep devices secure through the lifecycle.
• OnePlus: strong update cadence and fast Android versions, though timelines are usually a bit shorter than Google and Samsung.

Update speed can vary by carrier. Unlocked models tend to get updates faster than carrier-branded phones, which sometimes add a short review period.

Speed and reliability: who gets updates first

Apple updates land on all supported iPhones at once. That is simple, and it keeps families and teams on the same version.

Android is staggered. Pixels get new Android versions first, usually on the same day Google announces them. Samsung follows soon on S and Z series, then rolls out to other models. OnePlus moves quickly on its flagships, with midrange phones following.

Why this matters:

• Security: faster patches reduce risk.
• New AI features: many need the latest OS and model-specific chip support.
• Bug fixes: early fixes smooth out battery drain or app crashes after big releases.

If you want the fastest path to new Android versions and features, Pixel is the safe bet. If you want consistency across a wide range, Samsung is strong.

Security patches, feature drops, and app compatibility

Think of updates in three buckets:

• OS version upgrades: iOS 18 to 19, Android 15 to 16. Big new features, design shifts, and platform changes.
• Feature drops: mid-cycle upgrades that add new tools without a full version step. Google’s Pixel Feature Drops are a good example.
• Security patches: monthly or quarterly fixes that close holes. On Android, these include the Android Security Bulletins and Google Play system updates. For the technical notes, check the Android Security Bulletin.

Apple also uses Rapid Security Responses for urgent threats, which is like a small patch that installs fast. Over time, older OS versions may keep getting security patches but miss newer features, and some apps will require recent OS versions to unlock new AI or camera capabilities.

Apple iPhone model highlights and US price list (October 2025)

Apple’s 2025 iPhone family stretches from a budget-friendly model with long support to the newest flagships with advanced Apple Intelligence. The Pro line from 2024, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, has been discontinued, which helps keep the lineup simple.

Based on current data, here is what to expect.

iPhone 16e: best budget iPhone with long support

• Highlights: A18 chip, 48 MP main camera, 6.1 inch OLED, USB C, IP68, strong battery life.
• Price: about $599.
• Who it fits: first time iPhone buyers, kids and families, or anyone upgrading from an iPhone that is 4 to 6 years old. You get years of updates at a lower price, with great app support.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: great cameras and battery for most people

• Highlights: A18 with Apple Intelligence support, 48 MP Fusion camera with a 2x optical-quality crop, new Camera Control button, customizable Action button, clear battery gains over older iPhones.
• Display: smooth but not 120 Hz ProMotion.
• Prices: iPhone 16 around $699, 16 Plus about $899.
• Who should buy: pick 16 for one hand use and value, pick 16 Plus if you want an all-day battery and a bigger screen for video and reading.

iPhone 17 and iPhone Air: newest features and premium displays

• Positioning: the newest models as of September 2025.
• Highlights: likely 120 Hz displays, upgraded cameras, and more advanced Apple Intelligence experiences than the iPhone 16 family. The iPhone Air hits a thin, premium build with power near Pro level.
• Note: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have been discontinued.
• Prices: iPhone 17 starts around $799 or more. iPhone Air sits between 16 and 17 in price.

iPhone price table and quick picks

Tip: trade in deals and carrier promos can cut prices a lot. If you upgrade yearly or every two years, check both Apple and your carrier on the same day for the best net cost.

Top Android phones in 2025: updates, features, and US prices

Android buyers have strong choices from Google, Samsung, and OnePlus. Policies vary, but the best brands now promise multi-year OS versions plus monthly or quarterly patches.

Below are the most popular picks in the U.S. along with update policies and typical MSRP in October.

Google Pixel lineup: fast updates and AI features

• Models: Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are the core picks in late 2025, with Google’s latest software, bigger batteries, and smart AI camera tools.
• Updates: up to 7 years of Android and security updates on the latest models. That is as long as it gets on Android.
• Features: day one Android releases, frequent feature drops, live translation during calls, and strong photo and video performance backed by Google AI.
• Prices: Pixel 10 starts near $899, Pixel 10 Pro is higher depending on storage.

Samsung Galaxy S25 and Z series: long support and big hardware

• Models: Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Foldable fans can opt for Z Fold and Z Flip, now in mature seventh-gen hardware.
• Updates: long OS support and frequent security patches on flagships, often monthly on S and Z series.
• Features: premium OLED displays, robust zoom systems on Ultra, and the built-in S Pen for S25 Ultra.
• Prices: S25 Ultra around $1,199. Other S25 models vary by storage and carrier. Samsung also runs aggressive trade in offers year round.

OnePlus and value Android picks: speed and savings

• OnePlus 13: fast performance, great battery life, and a clean Android skin. Updates are strong, usually 3 to 4 years of Android versions.
• Midrange options: Pixel a series and Samsung Galaxy A series are solid for budget buyers. Expect fewer OS updates than flagships, but still reliable security coverage.
• Price notes: OnePlus 13 is around $900, often on sale. Midrange models shift with promos and carrier bundles.

Android price table and best buys by budget

Quick picks by price:

• Under $500: look at Pixel a series or Samsung Galaxy A series if you want clean software and decent cameras. Expect shorter update timelines than flagships.
• $500–$800: consider iPhone 16, iPhone Air, or carrier deals on last year’s Android flagships. Pixel 10 and S25 may dip into this range with trade in credits.
• $800+: Pixel 10 for the longest support, Galaxy S25 Ultra for hardware and S Pen, or iPhone 17 for Apple Intelligence and top app compatibility.

Buying guide: which phone should you pick for long updates and best value

Make your decision based on how long you keep your phone, what you value most, and your budget. Here is the simple breakdown.

Best under $600: great battery and reliable updates

• iPhone choice: iPhone 16e. You get A18 power, years of iOS updates, and strong resale.
• Android choice: a current Pixel a series model. You get clean Android, useful AI photo tools, and a steady flow of security patches.

Pick iPhone if you want the longest app support and easy family sharing. Pick Android if you want Google services front and center and a lower entry price.

Best around $700 to $800: the sweet spot for most buyers

• iPhone: iPhone 16 or iPhone Air. The 16 is the safe all-rounder, while Air adds a premium display and design.
• Android: look at deals on Pixel 10 or Samsung S25. Both bring long updates and excellent cameras.

If you care most about camera consistency and day one Android releases, Pixel leans ahead. If you want the broadest accessory and app ecosystem, iPhone is hard to beat.

Best flagship over $1,000: top cameras and AI features

• iPhone: iPhone 17 tier for advanced Apple Intelligence, premium screens, and strong video quality.
• Android: Galaxy S25 Ultra for the best zoom and S Pen utility. A large Pixel option gives you 7 years of updates, Google’s AI suite, and clean software.

Buy the Ultra if you draw, annotate, or need long optical reach. Buy iPhone 17 if you shoot a lot of video and want tight integration with a Mac or iPad. Buy Pixel if you want the longest supported Android device with Google’s newest AI features first.

Resale value, trade in, and switching tips

Longer updates keep phones useful, which improves resale value. iPhones often hold value better, thanks to long iOS support and strong demand for used models.

Maximize savings:

• Check trade in values from Apple, Google, Samsung, and your carrier on the same day.
• Watch for bill credits, which spread discounts over 24 or 36 months.

Switching is simple with the right tools:

• Moving to iPhone from Android: use Apple’s official Move to iOS.
• Moving to Android from iPhone: use Google’s Switch to Android.

Before you switch, back up photos, verify two-factor logins, note your passwords, and confirm eSIM transfer with your carrier.

FAQs about iPhone vs Android updates and pricing

Do iPhones get updates longer than Android phones?

Apple supports iPhones for many years, and updates land on all supported models at the same time. Android has caught up at the top end. Google Pixel now promises up to 7 years on the latest phones, and Samsung keeps S and Z flagships updated for many years as well.

How many years will iPhone 16e, 16, and 17 get iOS updates?

Apple does not always publish exact years for each model. Based on recent history, buyers can expect long support that covers at least 5 years of major versions, often more. Security patches can outlast major version eligibility.

Which Android brand is best for fast and long updates?

Google Pixel leads on speed and length with 7 years on current phones. Samsung Galaxy S and Z series are close, with long OS coverage and frequent patches. OnePlus is fast but usually offers a slightly shorter window. Budget models across brands tend to have fewer major versions.

Why do prices change so much between carriers and stores?

MSRP is the baseline, but final prices shift with storage, limited time promos, bill credits, and trade in offers. Carriers often split discounts across monthly bills. Always price out the same phone on official brand stores and carriers on the same day to see the true out-of-pocket cost.

Conclusion

Apple offers long, simple updates, strong day one delivery, and high resale value. Android leaders now match or come close, with Pixels setting the bar on longevity and Samsung delivering premium hardware and long support. Best picks by budget: under $600 get iPhone 16e or a Pixel a series model; around $700 to $800 choose iPhone 16 or Air, or hunt for Pixel 10 and S25 deals; over $1,000 go iPhone 17 for video and ecosystem, or Galaxy S25 Ultra for zoom and S Pen. Check current U.S. prices and promos before you buy, since the right trade in can change the winner.