> We can and should praise Google for improving things, and use their new strong points to push Apple into improving too.

Over a decade of Nexus then Pixel devices being flashable has not moved any needle of Apple doing the same. Google promising 7 years is in line with Apple's 10 year track record of providing 6-8 years of updates, so it's more like Google aligning with Apple, not Google pushing Apple.

Still, a vague† promise in a blog post or keynote address is not going to fit the bill, at the very least it should be in the EULA or other contractually enforceable document, otherwise the promise is worth nothing.

Ideally I wish software would be treated as with e.g automotive or washing machine manufacturers, who in the EU have a legal requirement to provide parts for 10 years.

† I mean the promise is clearly worded but bears no weight, especially when pitted against Google's track record over the last decade of making grand announcements then puling the rug down the road.

> We can and should praise Google for improving things

Let’s talk again in 5 years, once they had the opportunity to prove their plans. So far, it’s all just talk.

Never forget the Pixel Pass rug pull. I'll never buy another Google product.

Especially that a 10 years old phone was very weak in terms of hardware, we haven’t reached a more plateaus era back then. It’s much easier to update a phone in the last 5 years for 10 years, than doing the same in a 5 years earlier window frame.