When a smartphone reaches the end of its official support cycle, users are often left with a difficult choice: keep using a device that may no longer receive security updates, or replace it altogether. Today, that narrative is changing for the Fairphone 3.

As Fairphone announced the end of software support for the Fairphone 3 with Google’s Android after seven years, Murena team is happy to announce that the story doesn’t end here.

A Second Life for Fairphone 3 with /e/OS

Murena, in collaboration with Fairphone, will continue to provide software updates and security support for the Fairphone 3 running /e/OS for additional two years. This extension ensures that users can keep their devices secure, functional, and up to date—without needing to buy a new phone.

In an industry where planned obsolescence is often the norm, this initiative offers a compelling alternative: longevity by design.

Why durability matters?

The environmental impact of smartphones is significant, with electronic waste continuing to grow worldwide. Extending the life of existing devices is one of the most effective ways to reduce that footprint.

Fairphone has long championed sustainability and ethical design, including a commitment to open-source principles. This openness makes it possible for operating systems like /e/OS to step in where manufacturer support ends—something rarely possible with more closed ecosystems.

Instead of becoming obsolete, the Fairphone 3 demonstrates what’s achievable when hardware and software ecosystems are aligned around longevity.

Meet /e/OS: Built on Privacy and Freedom

/e/OS is designed with privacy at its core. Users benefit from a range of built-in features, including Advanced Privacy controls, system-wide ad blocking in the browser, and the App Lounge for accessing applications more transparently.

Murena is already working to bring AOSP 15 to the Fairphone 3, ensuring that users will continue to enjoy modern Android features alongside ongoing security improvements—all without compromising their data.

Get Started with /e/OS

For Fairphone 3 users currently running Google’s Android, switching to /e/OS is straightforward and free.

Detailed installation instructions are available in the official documentation: https://doc.e.foundation/devices/FP3