At the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC), HONOR and Realme demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by announcing extended software and hardware support for their smartphones. HONOR introduced an industry-leading 7-year Android update policy for its Magic series, while Realme committed to 6 years of software updates and a 4-year battery warranty for its 14 Pro series. These announcements reflect a growing focus on durability as manufacturers respond to consumer demands for longer-lasting devices and stricter European regulations aimed at reducing electronic waste.

Extended update policies not only enhance smartphone longevity but also align with efforts to combat planned obsolescence, a major contributor to e-waste. Consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, seeking devices that remain functional and secure for longer periods. HONOR and Realme’s initiatives place them at the forefront of this shift, setting a benchmark for other brands. Although competitors like Apple and Samsung have already taken steps in this direction—offering up to 6 years of support for iOS devices and 4-5 years of updates for Android devices—HONOR and Realme are pushing the boundaries even further.

By focusing on durability and long-term usability, these brands are addressing both environmental concerns and consumer expectations. Longer update cycles reduce the need for frequent device replacements, minimising resource consumption and electronic waste. As the industry evolves, sustainability is becoming a core priority, with HONOR and Realme emerging as leaders in driving this change at MWC 2025.