Honor Magic Series Gets 7 Years of OS Updates in EU and UK

Key Takeaways

• Honor Magic series phones will receive 7 years of OS and security updates in the EU and UK
• More affordable Honor phones like the number series get 6 years of support
• Magic OS 10.0.0.160 will introduce Virtual Permissions to bypass intrusive app permission requests

Honor has confirmed that its Magic series smartphones will receive seven years of operating system updates and security patches in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The announcement comes as the company prepares to bring the Honor Magic V6 foldable to Europe following its launch in Malaysia and Singapore last week.

This is not a new policy. Honor committed to the seven-year update window for all Magic devices last year. The company is now reiterating that commitment as it expands the Magic V6's availability to Western markets.

Matching the Industry Standard

Seven years of software support has become the benchmark for premium Android phones. Samsung and Google both offer this duration on their flagship devices. Honor's matching commitment signals that the company wants to compete directly with these established players on long-term value.

“The commitment to seven years of software support is a cornerstone of our 'Alpha Plan,' ensuring that our human-centric AI experiences remain secure and cutting-edge throughout the device's lifecycle.”

— George Zhao, CEO of Honor

The policy also responds to EU sustainability regulations that push manufacturers to support devices longer. By extending software support, Honor reduces the pressure on consumers to upgrade their phones every two or three years.

Support Tiers by Device Line

Honor differentiates support duration by product line. The flagship Magic series gets the full seven years. More affordable devices in the number series receive six years of updates. Both tiers exceed the three to four years that was standard across the Android ecosystem just a few years ago.

The Honor Magic 7 Pro is already running Android 16 in beta. This early access to the latest Android version demonstrates Honor's commitment to keeping its flagship devices current.

Virtual Permissions: A Privacy Feature Worth Watching

Beyond the update timeline, Honor has a practical new feature in the pipeline. Magic OS 10.0.0.160 will introduce Virtual Permissions. This lets users bypass apps that refuse to work without certain permissions, without actually granting those apps real access to data.

If an app demands access to your contacts, location, or camera before it will open, Virtual Permissions feeds it placeholder data. The app thinks it has permission. It doesn't. This solves a common frustration with apps that overreach on privacy without offering a clear reason.

What About Older Magic Phones?

There is a catch. The seven-year policy applies to current and future Magic devices. Older models like the Magic 6 Pro and Magic V3 remain capped at five years of support. Owners of these phones have expressed disappointment on forums like Reddit that the extended policy was not applied retroactively.

This is consistent with how Samsung and Google handle similar transitions. When they extended support windows, existing devices kept their original timelines. It's frustrating for early adopters but standard practice in the industry.

The Magic V6 Arrives in Europe Soon

Honor says the Magic V6 will reach European markets soon, though it hasn't specified a date. The foldable launched in Malaysia and Singapore last week. A special edition case by former Hermès collaborating artist Yoni Alter is also available for the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honor phones get 7 years of updates?

All current and future Honor Magic series devices, including the Magic V6. The policy applies in the EU and UK.

Do older Honor phones like the Magic 6 Pro get 7 years of updates?

No. Devices released before the policy change remain on their original support timelines, typically five years.

How long do budget Honor phones receive updates?

Honor's number series phones, which are more affordable, receive six years of OS and security updates.

What are Virtual Permissions on Honor phones?

A feature in Magic OS 10.0.0.160 that lets users bypass apps requiring permissions without granting actual access to data. The app receives placeholder information instead.

Source: GSMArena.com / Peter