Technologies such as smartphones, gaming consoles and computers benefit from constant updates and upgrades throughout their lifecycle. Smartphones seem to get a new version every year that replaces the previous model, and people regularly abandon their still-functional, barely-used phones to buy the latest device. The same goes for device software, although you may not know how long tech companies plan to continue supporting older models.
Even if you purchased your smart TV, router, or appliances only a few years ago, the software may no longer be updated. Technically the device still works, but you may lose security features or be unable to download new apps. Knowing how long support will last for each device can help you better understand when they need to be replaced, which is exactly what the California Connected Consumer Products bill aims to address. The bill requires manufacturers to provide at least five years of software support and include support timelines for all products.
This would help reduce e-waste, lower the risk of cyberattacks, and inform owners of the delay before their products receive updates. This is similar to the right-to-repair movement (a DIY trend that could replace repair shops), which calls for greater flexibility to allow consumers to repair their own devices. California’s Connected Consumer Products bill and other right-to-repair laws aim to provide details for consumers to learn about the technology they purchase.
How would the California Connected Consumer Products bill impact you?
The bill, known as SB-898, benefits property owners in several ways. On the one hand, it helps consumers know how long support will last for the device they are purchasing. Knowing that a router, for example, will only be supported for a limited time allows owners to make more informed purchasing decisions. If you know when the minimum guaranteed support ends, you can plan when to replace the device or look for another brand or model with a longer support window.
One of the most beneficial ways the bill supports landlords is by providing protection against cyberattacks. When a device loses its media, it can also lose its security measures, making it easier for hackers to access the device and find valuable information. Knowing when support ends gives owners the option to replace their device with another product still protected by the manufacturer.
Being informed of a device’s support time also helps consumers avoid unnecessary costly repairs. Someone may notice that certain features no longer work on their device and assume it is faulty, when in reality it is no longer updating. In this case, taking their device to a repair shop or falling prey to pervasive myths about tech repair would be pointless and a waste of money. The bill states that owners must be notified by email when support for their devices ends, allowing customers to buy a new device instead of spending a lot of money after a bad investment.
How the new bill can help fight e-waste
Another benefit of the California Connected Consumer Products bill is its impact on the environment. Instead of buying new devices every year and throwing away the old ones, they can keep them longer to align with the end of support date. According to the World Health Organization, millions of electrical and electronic devices are thrown away every year. These range from those that are broken, damaged, made redundant, or thrown away to get a new device.
Knowing when support for a device such as a smartphone, smart TV, or tablet will end can reduce the number of discarded devices. Any discarded electronic device is called e-waste or e-waste. To ensure they are disposed of properly, electronic devices must be recycled properly. E-waste can release toxins into the environment that can pose a threat to humans and wildlife. Concerns about e-waste could be one reason why smartphone makers have stopped putting chargers in their boxes.
Bill SB-898 passed the California Legislature at the Senate level. After being introduced by Senator Weber Pierson on January 20, 2026, the bill was amended three times in the Senate and twice in the Assembly. If adopted and signed by the Governor of California, technology manufacturers must follow the aforementioned rules and regulations regarding software support timelines.
