Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Tl;
- Qualcomm has announced that smartphones powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite chips will be eligible for up to eight years with Android OS and security updates.
- The program will reduce updating costs for manufacturers, but it is up to telephone producers to actually provide the extended support.
- The first units in favor of will be Snapdragon 8 elite-driven phones launched with Android 15, with future Snapdragon 8 and 7 Series units also qualified.
Qualcomm has gone with Google to expand Software and Security Update Support For Android devices. Starting with Flagship phones Powered by Snapdragon 8 elite chips, Qualcomm will now allow manufacturers to offer up to eight years of Android updates and security updates.
For Android fans, this is a big deal. Right now, only Google and Samsung offer seven years of updates for their top units, while most other brands are losing out after three to five years. It leaves millions of users fixed with outdated software, missing new features and, worse, exposed to security issues. Qualcomm’s new policy can change it, making Android phones safer and sustainable.
How does it work?
The Extended support program Utilizes Qualcomms application-specific integrated circles (ASIC-AR) and Google’s project treble, which sets the Android OS framework from the supplier implementation. This makes it easier to push updates without requiring major changes in the device’s underlying code. Qualcomm’s new program is based on this by offering two upgrades to the Android Common Kernel (ACK), which is at the heart of the operating system. These upgrades will help keep the devices secure and compatible with future Android versions.
The best part is that Qualcomm says this approach reduces the cost of manufacturers, making it easier for them to offer longer support. While Qualcomm cannot force each notice to take advantage of this program, the company says it already sees obligations from several manufacturers to keep their devices updated longer.
What phones will benefit from?
The first units to get this extended support will be smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 elite chips and launched with Android 15. It should include all the big flagships from this year, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus 13, etc. Phones that are launched with newer Snapdragon 8 and 7 Series Devices later this year will also be eligible, which means some mid-tones of units Also, should benefit from this program.
Over time, the program will expand to cover the next five generations of Qualcomms pieces. However, the final decision to offer eight years updates will still be up to the manufacturers. An important warning here is that older Snapdragon chips, which means that something released before the Snapdragon 8 elite will not be eligible for this program.
Although this announcement is a step in the right direction, it remains to see the wider Android ecosystem to see. If it is widely adopted, this initiative can lead to a new wave of Android devices with longer service life, which will be better for both consumers and the environment.