In a groundbreaking announcement, Qualcomm and Google have joined forces to extend Android software support to eight years, marking a major shift in smartphone longevity. Starting with devices powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, manufacturers can now offer unprecedented long-term update support for both system and security patches.
The extended support program will initially roll out on phones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip running Android 15. Later this year, the eight-year update commitment will expand to include new devices using Snapdragon 8 and 7-series processors. Qualcomm plans to maintain this extended support across at least its next five generations of mobile chips.
This partnership addresses a long-standing challenge in the Android ecosystem, where fragmented update cycles and limited vendor support often left users with outdated software. "Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update the software and security on their devices," said Seang Chau, Google's Android Platform manager.
The program includes regular security patches throughout the eight-year period and two updates to the Android Common Kernel, making it easier for manufacturers to implement full Android OS updates even as devices age. However, the final decision to provide extended updates remains with individual phone manufacturers.
Currently, Samsung and Google lead with seven-year update guarantees for their flagship devices. This new initiative could encourage other manufacturers to match or exceed these commitments, though some companies like OnePlus have expressed concerns about potential performance impacts on aging hardware.
The program specifically targets premium devices, as Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips typically power flagship and upper-mid-range phones. While this might not immediately benefit budget device owners, it represents a significant step toward extending smartphone lifespans and reducing electronic waste.
Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm Technologies, emphasized the company's commitment: "We're raising the bar, providing more flexibility for our OEMs and ultimately enhancing user experiences."
For consumers, this development means the potential to keep their devices longer while maintaining access to the latest features and security updates. However, it's worth noting that the extended support only applies to new devices launched with qualifying Snapdragon processors - existing phones with older chips won't benefit from this initiative.