There are multiple reasons why the iPhone is so popular among smartphones users—sleek design, cutting-edge camera, or Apple's robust marketing—but the one reason that continually stands out, particularly because it's a great measuring stick against Android, is the constant software updates.
When Apple introduces an iPhone, customers who buy one of these new devices are guaranteed upwards of four years of major iOS updates, if not more. That number has only increased with the latter iPhones released, shows data from Statista.
Since the iPhone 4s, every major iPhone has received at least five major iOS updates before they are cut off. The iPhone 6 (and 6 Plus), the most recent Apple smartphone to be cut off from yearly updates with iOS 13, reached five updates. The model before it, the iPhone 5s, got to six updates before it was cut off last year with iOS 12.
Courtesy of Statista
That number obliterates the number of updates Android devices get, who are lucky to see three major updates during their lifetime. That's none more evident than in the distribution numbers.
As of May, the latest version of Android (9 Pie) is installed in 10.4% of devices while iOS 12, the last major iPhone software upgrade, is installed in 87%{.nofollow} of devices. That's a big difference.
The constant updates ensure the older iPhones are up to date with the latest features Apple offers in newer devices. This also adds to the value they retain and is a reason why people hold on to them for so long.
This year, Apple extended the iOS 13 update all the way back to the iPhone 6s, a smartphone that was release in 2015. And owners who use these phones don't have much to complain about if they are cut off next year. They went five years with updates and at that point, they are due for a new smartphones that will most likely see a similar lengthy lifetime of updates.
When it comes to software upgrades, Apple is wiping the floor with Android. Obviously buying a smartphone comes down to more than just software upgrades, but if that matters to you, it's pretty clear which devices you should be buying.
Everything you need to know about iOS 13

Leaked iPhone 14 cases show Pro models' insanely huge camera bumps
Apple is roundly expected to announce a new iPhone 14 lineup later this year and a new leak claims to show some of the cases that are being built for those new handsets. And as we've been expecting, they show the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices will both come with massive camera bumps.

'The Big Short' investor Michael Burry has $36 million bet against Apple
Infamous investor Michael Berry has bet against the fortunes of Apple's share price to the tune of 206,000 shares.

Beta testers will likely wait until July to get their hands on iOS 16
If all goes according to previous years we can expect Apple to release the first developer beta of iOS 16 on June 6, the same day that it will be announced. That's the date of the WWDC22 opening keynote but those who are part of the public beta program look set to be waiting a little while longer.

Get a grip on your iPhone with these phone grips
No matter which model iPhone you have, you'll get a better grip on it with one of these.