Qualcomm Announces Up to 8 Years of OS and Security Updates for Its Latest Chips

Leading Android smartphone brands like Google and Samsung are currently leading the way in providing seven years of continuous software updates and security patches for their latest generation smartphones. However, Qualcomm is now paving the way for Android OEMs to provide longer software support for their devices thanks to its latest chips.

In an official post, Qualcomm announced that it has partnered with Google to enable OEMs to provide up to eight years of operating system (OS) and security update support. The first devices to benefit from this extended software support policy will be Android smartphones running the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and Android 15.

Notably, this support policy will also be extended to devices using the new Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets, expected to launch later this year. The longer software update support period will help users get the most out of their smartphone investment and extend the life of their devices. Android OEMs will also have the opportunity to provide the latest features to users for 8 years - a long time.

Additionally, the program will also include two updates to the Android Common Kernel (ACK) – the core of the Android operating system. The ACK kernel updates will ensure that OEMs can provide security updates to customers for eight years.

“Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s efforts to extend the lifespan of Android devices is an important step forward in improving smartphone durability,” said Seang Chau, vice president and general manager, Android Platform Management. “Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update software and security on their devices, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for users.”

Qualcomm also noted that while it has facilitated eight years of software update support, it will ultimately be up to Android manufacturers to decide which devices benefit from this extended support policy.