Android phones can now receive up to 8 years of software updates

In a significant advancement for Android users, Qualcomm has announced a partnership with Google to extend software and security update support for devices powered by select Snapdragon processors. This initiative aims to provide up to eight years of consecutive Android OS and security updates. This will begin with devices equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

According to Qualcomm, “What this means is that 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 (a separation commonly referred as “Project Treble” or the “vendor implementation”). While kernel changes will require updating kernel mode drivers, the vendor code can remain unchanged while the software support is being provided.”

However, at the end of the day, it’s up to manufacturers to decide how long they want to provide support. While devices might have the hardware to support the update, manufacturers might decide it’s not worth their resources. It takes time and effort to issue updates and ensure compatibility, and some OEMs would rather you just buy a new phone.

That being said, we are seeing how more handset makers are extending their support. For example, both Google and Samsung offer up to 7 years of support for their devices. This initiative by Qualcomm simply gives manufacturers the option to extend support if they choose to. At least they’ll no longer be able to hide behind excuses like hardware incompatibility.