Qualcomm and Google Partner to Offer Up to 8 Years of Android Updates

Qualcomm has announced a collaboration with Google to offer Android updates for up to eight years, a move that is set to extend the longevity of Android-powered smartphones. This initiative builds on the existing commitment by Google and Samsung to provide seven years of Android updates for their flagship and midrange devices.

*Extended Support for Android Phones*

Earlier this week, Qualcomm unveiled a program that extends support for Android updates on its latest Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile processor. Under this program, devices equipped with this system-on-chip (SoC) will be eligible to receive eight years of Android updates and security patches. The program will also cover the next five generations of Snapdragon 7 series and Snapdragon 8 series chips, which are expected to launch later this year.

*Manufacturer Discretion*

While Qualcomm will provide the necessary support framework, the decision to offer eight years of Android and security updates ultimately rests with individual manufacturers or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The program allows manufacturers to leverage Qualcomm’s Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Google’s Project Treble, reducing the need for significant changes and lowering costs.

*Limitations and Future Impact*

It’s important to note that the extended updates program will not apply to Android devices already released with Snapdragon chipsets older than the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Although this announcement is a significant step forward, its broader impact on the Android ecosystem remains to be seen.

*Industry Context*

The collaboration between Qualcomm and Google comes amid an increasing demand for high-performance chips, which has outpaced supply and led to rising costs and deployment delays. By extending the support for Android updates, Qualcomm aims to address some of these challenges and enhance the user experience for Android device owners.