Extra Android telephones might quickly present longer lifetime help updates due to a brand new settlement between Qualcomm and Google. Qualcomm introduced on Monday that “as much as eight consecutive years of software program and safety updates” shall be accessible to Android telephones working on future Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series chips.
As Android specialist Mishall Rahman factors out, the “eight consecutive years” is a bit deceptive right here as a result of Qualcomm consists of the 12 months on which a tool is launched. Which means the system might be supported for eight years, however obtain seven years of Android model upgrades — bringing extra Android telephones consistent with the seven years of help offered on Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 lineup.
Qualcomm talked about its help growth plans in October, which began with gadgets working on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Cell Platform. That features the Samsung Galaxy S25 sequence, Xiaomi 15 Collection, OnePlus 13, and Asus ROG Cellphone 9.
In the present day’s announcement extends that service to extra chipsets, but it surely’s essential to notice that eligible telephones aren’t assured to obtain expanded help updates. This replace makes it simpler and extra reasonably priced for telephone producers to supply customers with longer help, however Qualcomm says that it’s in the end as much as system makers to resolve whether or not they provide it on particular telephone fashions.
“Help for platform software program included on this program shall be made accessible to OEMs for eight consecutive years, together with each Android OS and kernel upgrades, with out requiring important modifications or upgrades to the platform and OEM code on the system,” Qualcomm stated.
Telephones working older Snapdragon chips received’t be eligible for future help upgrades based on Qualcomm. The largest caveat to all this past hoping system makers truly implement the expanded help replace is that only a few telephones are prone to maintain working for the complete eight years. However should you’re dedicated to decreasing e-waste and regularly repairing your Android telephone, a minimum of the choice shall be there.
