Starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm will offer device manufacturers (OEMs) the “ability to provide support for up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates.”
Qualcomm today announced a “program” in partnership with Google.
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.
This program specifically includes “two upgrades to the mobile platform’s Android Common Kernel (ACK) to support the eight-year window.”
The kernel is the core of every OS, and these ACK kernel upgrades for Android OS will allow OEMs to provide security for their devices longer.
It’s ultimately up to manufacturers to update their devices, but the bottleneck going forward won’t be the chip. Qualcomm today notes how the extended software support it’s providing can “lower costs for OEMs interested in supporting their devices longer.”
Whether an eligible smartphone or mobile phone receives all the software support being offered by Qualcomm Technologies is up to the OEM. But Qualcomm Technologies is already seeing commitments from OEMs to keep their devices available to consumers for longer.
The first devices to benefit are Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones launching with Android 15. Notably, the program runs for the “next five generations” of SoCs, including Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips launching “later this year.” Older chipsets will not benefit from this program.
Google with the Pixel 9 and Samsung on the Galaxy S25 promise seven years of Android OS and security updates.
- “Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s efforts to extend the lifespan of Android devices are a key step for increasing the longevity of smartphones,” said Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform. “Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update the software and security on their devices, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for our users.”
- “Qualcomm Technologies is excited to take this step forward, working closely with Google to facilitate the latest Android OS upgrades on devices with Snapdragon,” said Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies. “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.”
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