Photo credit: www.theverge.com

Extended Software Support for Android Phones: A New Era with Qualcomm and Google

Recent developments between Qualcomm and Google may significantly enhance the support lifecycle of Android smartphones. Qualcomm has announced that devices powered by future Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series chips can now expect to receive up to eight consecutive years of software and security updates.

However, it’s essential to clarify that this “eight consecutive years” includes the year of the device’s release. As highlighted by Android expert Mishall Rahman, while the total support period may span eight years, devices will realistically only receive seven years worth of Android version upgrades. This development aligns more closely with the seven-year support offered by Google for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models, thus raising the standard across many Android devices.

Qualcomm initially unveiled its commitment to extended support last October, introduced alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. Devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15 Series, OnePlus 13, and Asus ROG Phone 9 are among the first to benefit from this enhanced support.

Though this new policy extends better support options to a broader range of chipsets, it is crucial to note that individual manufacturers will decide whether to adopt these improvements for specific models. Qualcomm emphasizes that while this initiative facilitates longer software support, it does not guarantee that every eligible phone will receive these extended updates.

Qualcomm has stated, “Support for platform software included in this program will be made available to OEMs for eight consecutive years, including both Android OS and kernel upgrades, without requiring significant changes or upgrades to the platform and OEM code on the device.” This wording indicates a streamlined process for manufacturers, allowing them to provide enhanced longevity without extensive additional investment.

On the flip side, older Snapdragon chipset devices will not benefit from these extended support updates. Ultimately, while the extended support options promise a more sustainable future for Android devices, the real challenge lies in manufacturers’ willingness to adopt these offerings. Moreover, there is skepticism about the feasibility of keeping smartphones operational for the full eight years. Nevertheless, for users committed to reducing electronic waste and focusing on repairable devices, this updated support framework offers a promising avenue forward.

Source
www.theverge.com