Xiaomi’s long-term update plan under spotlight for the Redmi K90 Pro Max

The Redmi K90 Pro Max has entered the market with immense hype around its specifications and value. However, beyond the hardware excellence, UK buyers are now asking one critical question — how long will Xiaomi support this phone with software and security updates? In an era where brands are extending their update promises, Redmi’s strategy will play a major role in defining the K90 Pro Max’s long-term worth.

The phone ships with HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, Xiaomi’s latest iteration of its operating system. This software layer replaces MIUI and introduces a cleaner, more efficient interface. The company has also refined app management and system responsiveness, improving the overall experience. But while the software is new, buyers are keen to know how long it will stay that way.

As of now, Xiaomi has not made an official UK-specific commitment to extended software support for the K90 Pro Max. Globally, some of the brand’s higher-end models under the Xiaomi and Redmi series have received four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Whether the same applies to this device remains uncertain, but the company is likely to follow a similar policy given the flagship positioning of the phone.

For users, this matters because long-term updates ensure stability, new features, and ongoing security. The competition in the UK, especially from Samsung and Google, now guarantees up to seven years of major Android updates. That sets a high benchmark and creates pressure on Xiaomi to match or at least come close with the K90 Pro Max. Otherwise, even an excellent phone might lose value over time.

The early signs are promising, though. Xiaomi has been actively rolling out monthly security patches and incremental firmware updates in China since launch. These updates address both stability improvements and app compatibility. If the same pace continues globally, UK owners can expect a reliable flow of updates during the phone’s initial years, even if not formally guaranteed beyond four years.

HyperOS also introduces a more unified codebase for Xiaomi devices, meaning updates can be deployed faster across regions. This could benefit UK users by narrowing the delay between Chinese and global versions. For example, features like smart system optimisation and new camera modes could arrive in the UK within weeks instead of months, as happened with previous MIUI versions.

Another area to consider is app support and security updates beyond Android versions. Even if major OS upgrades end after a few years, Xiaomi can still deliver security patches and feature enhancements through HyperOS updates. This hybrid approach is becoming common among manufacturers to maintain device reliability without frequent Android version jumps.

Buyers should also look at Xiaomi’s recent track record. The company has been more transparent with update cycles since 2023, listing specific devices and their end-of-support timelines. If this trend continues, the K90 Pro Max’s update policy might be publicly confirmed soon after its UK rollout, bringing clarity to long-term users.

It’s also important to differentiate between the Chinese and UK variants. The UK model will come with Google Mobile Services, full 5G band support, and region-optimised software. While Chinese units often get faster updates, the global version’s updates tend to be more stable and better integrated with Western apps and services. That’s a trade-off many UK users are willing to make.

Ultimately, the Redmi K90 Pro Max appears well-positioned for solid long-term support, even if Xiaomi has not yet issued a formal multi-year update promise. The hardware is powerful enough to handle future Android versions, and HyperOS is designed for scalability. However, the final verdict depends on Xiaomi’s willingness to extend its new policy of longer software life to this model.

For now, UK buyers can expect at least four years of Android updates and five years of security patches based on Xiaomi’s current flagship trends. If the company confirms this officially, the K90 Pro Max will stand as one of the best long-term value phones in its segment — powerful, modern, and built to stay relevant for years to come.