On Monday, Google announced a partnership with Qualcomm to extend operating system (OS) and security updates for Android smartphones running on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. As a result, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can now offer software support for up to eight years.
Alongside the flagship chipset, this extended update policy will also apply to devices powered by the new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series mobile platforms.
Software Updates On Android For 8 Years
Qualcomm has stated that, in collaboration with Google, it has developed a framework that allows Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, to receive eight consecutive years of Android updates and security patches. This will be possible without requiring substantial modifications or upgrades to the device’s platform and OEM-specific code.
According to the company, software support under this initiative will maintain an unchanged vendor code, though kernel adjustments will be necessary for updating kernel mode drivers. This approach is expected to minimize costs for OEMs while facilitating longer-term software support for their devices. In addition to OS and security updates, the extended support period will also include two upgrades to the Android Common Kernel (ACK) on the mobile platform.
Qualcomm highlights that this initiative enhances device longevity and sustainability while ensuring that OEMs have access to the most recent Android version every year.
The first smartphones to benefit from this extended update policy will be those launching with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and Android 15. Additionally, the initiative will cover the next five generations of Qualcomm’s ASICs as part of its agreement with Google. While the Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series platforms are also eligible, the final decision to implement these updates will rest with individual OEMs.
The company further clarified that only the specified mobile platforms will be included in the extended OS support program, meaning older chipsets will not qualify for this prolonged update period.
