Qualcomm and Google bringing extended software support to more phones

Qualcomm and Google are working together to bring long term software updates to more phones. The company shared that devices running on new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips will receive up to eight consecutive years (including year of release) of Android software and security updates. This means that a large number of Android phone users will not only be able to get the latest features of Android OS but also get more value out of their investment.

The company made the announcement through a blog post on its website stating that Android smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chips already allow manufacturers to support their phones for up to eight consecutive years. Now, all smartphones launching with the Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips will get the same treatment. For now, Samsung and Pixel phones get up to eight years of Android OS and security updates.

This means every smartphone manufacturer that uses the aforementioned Snapdragon chips to power their phones will be able to deliver longer than the typical three-to-four-year support. However, it is still up to the brand to follow through with these extended updates. This effort is to promote longevity and sustainability, preventing users from having to switch phones every few years because they are missing out on the latest features and security updates. 

Chris Patrick, the Senior VP and GM of mobile handsets at Qualcomm added, “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.”