Qualcomm and Google Team Up for 8-Year Android Update Support on Latest Snapdragon Chips

Qualcomm Announces Eight-Year Support for Android Updates with New Chips

Key Points:

• Program Overview: Starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm and Google are partnering to offer up to eight years of Android software and security updates.
• Benefits: This program aims to lower costs for OEMs by reducing the need for significant changes or upgrades to device platform and code. It includes two mobile platform Android Common Kernel (ACK) upgrades to support the extended update window.
• Device Eligibility: The first devices to benefit are Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones launching with Android 15. The program covers the next five generations of SoCs, including Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips.
• Manufacturer Commitment: While it's ultimately up to OEMs to implement these updates, commitments from manufacturers like Google (Pixel 9) and Samsung (Galaxy S25) for seven years of updates are noted.
• Quotes:
  • Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform: 'Qualcomm’s efforts to extend the lifespan of Android devices are a key step for increasing smartphone longevity.'
  • Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies: 'We are raising the bar, providing more flexibility for OEMs and ultimately enhancing user experiences.'