In a groundbreaking step for smartphone longevity, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Google have announced a partnership to offer up to eight years of Android software and security updates for devices powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms.
This initiative, targeting smartphones launched with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and future Snapdragon 8/7-series chipsets, sets a new industry standard for software support. It responds to growing consumer demand for longer-lasting devices while supporting global sustainability goals.
The program combines Qualcomm’s advanced system-on-chip (SoC) architecture with Google’s Project Treble framework, which separates the Android OS from vendor-specific code. This collaboration allows OEMs to deploy OS upgrades without needing significant hardware changes by maintaining compatibility between the Android Common Kernel (ACK) and Qualcomm’s vendor implementation.
Two ACK updates will be provided over the eight-year period, ensuring kernel-level security is aligned with evolving regulations like the U.S. National Cybersecurity Strategy and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act. Both security patches and Android version upgrades will be released simultaneously starting with Android 15, preventing fragmented support cycles.
While kernel-mode drivers will require updates, OEMs will have flexibility to minimize code changes, thereby reducing development costs.
The initiative begins with Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices launching in late 2024, followed by five additional generations of Qualcomm ASICs. New Snapdragon 8 and 7-series platforms will also qualify, though OEMs retain the discretion to implement updates as they see fit.
Early supporters of the initiative include undisclosed manufacturers committed to offering extended support for their flagship devices, signaling a shift to compete with Apple’s iOS update policies.
However, legacy Snapdragon platforms will be excluded due to hardware limitations, though Qualcomm will continue supporting legacy devices under existing OEM agreements.
Chris Patrick, Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President of Mobile Handsets, emphasized that this partnership raises the bar for Android device longevity, allowing OEMs to offer more durable smartphones. Google’s Android VP, Seang Chau, added, “Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update software and security, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for our users.”
Industry analysts believe this collaboration could disrupt mid-tier markets, where Snapdragon 7-series devices typically experience shorter support cycles. With security updates now mandatory under EU regulations, this partnership positions Qualcomm as a key player in helping OEMs comply with these new requirements.
For users, the extended update coverage helps mitigate the risks of device obsolescence, especially for high-end devices like gaming smartphones or foldables using the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s AI capabilities.
That said, OEM adoption rates remain uncertain as brands weigh the cost of extended updates against competitive pricing.
To assist OEMs in ensuring extended support eligibility, Qualcomm and Google plan to release a compliance toolkit in Q1 2025, streamlining the testing process. With the first eight-year-supported devices expected to launch this holiday season, this initiative has the potential to redefine Android’s value proposition in a market that increasingly values sustainability and long-term device usability.
