Qualcomm Enables Up To 8 Years Of Android Updates

Qualcomm has announced a partnership with Google to enable Android phone manufacturers to offer up to eight years of operating system and security updates for devices equipped with its latest chips. This initiative extends the lifespan of smartphones, surpassing the seven-year update policy already implemented by companies like Google and Samsung.

The first devices to benefit from this extended support will be those powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform and running Android 15. Additionally, the new policy will apply to upcoming chipsets in the Snapdragon 8 and 7 series, expected to launch in 2025. Qualcomm’s initiative also includes two updates for the Android Common Kernel (ACK) platform, ensuring long-term security and compatibility.

By offering extended software support, Qualcomm aims to enhance user experience by allowing consumers to maximize the value of their devices and keep them longer. This extended update period also enables manufacturers to introduce new features over time, ensuring that smartphones remain relevant and secure.

Chris Patrick, Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating:
“Qualcomm Technologies is excited to take this step, working in collaboration with Google to facilitate the latest Android OS updates on Snapdragon-powered devices. With this advancement, we are raising the bar, providing more flexibility to our OEMs, and ultimately improving user experiences. We look forward to seeing more OEM devices with long-term Android OS support soon.”

However, Qualcomm emphasizes that while it is making extended updates possible, the final decision on which models will receive support for the full eight years rests with individual manufacturers. This means that while the technology allows for longer software support, consumers will still need to check with each brand to determine whether their device is included in the extended update program.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about Android 15, Qualcomm and Snapdragon 8 Elite.