In a significant move for the smartphone industry, US-based chipmaker Qualcomm has partnered with Google to enable up to eight years of software and security updates for Android smartphones powered by its chips. This collaboration aims to extend the longevity of Android devices, providing users with longer-lasting software support and improved security.
Qualcomm, a leading semiconductor company, announced that it has worked closely with Google to help smartphone manufacturers extend the duration of Android software updates. This move is expected to benefit millions of users by ensuring that their devices remain functional and secure for an extended period.
Smartphones running on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chip will now be capable of receiving up to eight consecutive years of Android OS and security updates. Additionally, Qualcomm has confirmed that upcoming Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips will also support similar extended update periods.
Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Handsets at Qualcomm, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating:
“Qualcomm Technologies is excited to take this step forward, working closely with Google to facilitate the latest Android OS upgrades on devices with Snapdragon. With this advancement, we are raising the bar, providing more flexibility for our OEMs and ultimately enhancing user experiences. We’re excited to see more OEM devices that support Android OS longevity soon.”
While Qualcomm’s new initiative is a major step forward, it does not guarantee that all smartphones featuring eligible Snapdragon chips will automatically receive eight years of updates. Instead, the extended software support means that hardware limitations will no longer be a barrier to long-term software updates.
Ultimately, the decision to offer eight years of updates will be made by individual smartphone brands, depending on their business strategies, product lifecycles, and customer demands. However, Qualcomm and Google’s efforts have paved the way for device manufacturers to offer longer software support without major hardware modifications.
To enable long-term support, Qualcomm and Google are implementing two major upgrades to the Android Common Kernel (ACK) for the mobile platform.
This approach simplifies the process of rolling out Android OS updates, allowing manufacturers to provide timely software patches without the need for extensive modifications. As a result, device makers will be able to reduce costs associated with extended software support while ensuring a seamless user experience.
The smartphone industry has often faced criticism for limited software updates, with many Android devices receiving only three to five years of support. By contrast, Apple provides software updates for older iPhones for six to seven years, ensuring longevity and security for users.
With Qualcomm and Google’s initiative, Android devices could significantly close the gap with Apple in terms of long-term software support. This move is particularly important for:
Consumers: Who will benefit from longer device usability and enhanced security.
Manufacturers: Who will have the flexibility to support devices for longer without high development costs.
The Environment: By reducing electronic waste, as users will be encouraged to use their devices longer instead of upgrading frequently.
The introduction of eight-year software support represents a major milestone for Android devices, but it also raises questions about how many manufacturers will embrace this opportunity.
While brands like Google and Samsung have recently extended their update policies, other manufacturers may choose shorter support periods for marketing or financial reasons. However, Qualcomm’s commitment to removing hardware barriers will likely encourage more brands to adopt longer update cycles.
Conclusion
Qualcomm and Google’s partnership is a game-changer for Android users, offering longer security updates and better device longevity. While smartphone manufacturers will ultimately decide the duration of support, this initiative sets a new standard for the industry. If widely adopted, it could reshape consumer expectations, making long-term software updates the norm rather than the exception.