It’s a small feat in the world of Android. The Fairphone 2, a mobile released in 2015, continues to receive software updates from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this extraordinary longevity will end at the start of 2023 since Fairphone has announced that the mobile will be retiring next March. No more updates will be deployed after this date.
The Fairphone 2 takes a well-deserved retirement
“It’s a bittersweet moment: the Fairphone 2 has far exceeded our hopes for it, which was to offer three to five years of software support […] The Fairphone 2 is a clear testament to the progress we’ve made, and the progress we still have to make“explains the Dutch manufacturer. True to its reputation as an “eco-responsible” mobile manufacturer, the company wanted to offer maximum software longevity to its phone to avoid having to change it too quickly. All without the help of Qualcomm, which ditched the Snapdragon 801 which has been beating in the heart of mobile for a long time.
Marketed with Android 5.1 when it was launched, the Fairphone 2 was therefore able to evolve up to Android 10 – which was deployed in March 2022. Google’s mobile OS is in its 13th version, but Google continues to offer updates security updates on previous versions of the OS, which allowed the Fairphone to continue to operate securely, despite the lack of new features.
A not-so-planned end of life
Concretely, what does this mean for Fairphone 2 owners? First of all, it’s going to be more dangerous to surf the web with your mobile after the end of software support. “We recommend that you avoid using apps that allow access to sensitive data after May 2023; if the Fairphone 2 poses a considerable risk, we will not be able to remedy it“explains Fairphone. If in addition a part of the mobile were to fail, replacing it can only be done with the “limited stock” of parts still made available by the manufacturer.
However, Fairphone does not automatically advise giving up your mobile. For seasoned users, Fairphone advises to take a look at /e/OS and LineageOS “for which support is always offered“. If you want to extend the life of your mobile even a little longer, it’s possible. For others, the manufacturer advises transforming its Fairphone 2 into a multimedia player to be used completely offline, to continue listening to music. music, take pictures or play games.
And for those who still want to be able to use the Internet on their phones, Fairphone is offering a €50 voucher on its online store if you return your phone before March 31, 2023. This will allow you, why not, to acquire a discounted Fairphone 4.