A Strategic Alliance That Challenges Apple and Samsung in Software Longevity
Smartphone users are increasingly seeking devices that not only offer good performance but also come with long-term software support. In a strategic move to enhance Android’s competitiveness against Apple and Samsung, Qualcomm and Google have announced an extended update program that will allow manufacturers to provide up to 8 years of software and security support on devices equipped with the latest Snapdragon processors.
This program, which will debut with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform in smartphones launched with Android 15, represents the longest support period Qualcomm has offered to date. The goal is to ensure that Android devices are more durable and secure, reducing planned obsolescence and improving sustainability in the smartphone industry.
How Does This New Program Work?
According to Qualcomm, devices equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite and future generations of the Snapdragon 8 and 7 series will be able to benefit from this extended support. This means that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) participating in the program will be able to offer Android operating system updates and security patches for a period of 8 years.
Additionally, the collaboration includes two updates of the Android Common Kernel (ACK), which will facilitate the continuity of support without requiring substantial modifications to the manufacturers’ code. This model, based on the architecture of Project Treble, will allow the vendor code to remain unchanged while the system is updated.
“We are excited to take this step forward with Google to facilitate the latest Android updates on Snapdragon devices,” said Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm Technologies. “With this advancement, we raise the bar, provide more flexibility to manufacturers, and ultimately improve the user experience.”
Which Devices Will Receive Extended Updates?
The first generation of smartphones to benefit will be those equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 15. However, Qualcomm has confirmed that the next five generations of Snapdragon 8 and 7 processors will also be eligible for this extended support.
Nonetheless, the final decision on whether a particular device receives the 8 years of updates will depend on each OEM. Although Qualcomm and Google have developed the framework to facilitate updates, it will be the brands that determine whether to offer this benefit in their devices.
“Qualcomm’s efforts to extend the lifespan of Android devices are a key step towards improving the longevity of smartphones,” emphasized Seang Chau, Vice President and General Manager of the Android Platform at Google.
A Strategy to Compete with Apple and Samsung
The alliance between Google and Qualcomm not only seeks to enhance the user experience but also to compete with Apple and Samsung, two of the brands that offer the most years of support in the smartphone market.
Currently, Samsung guarantees 7 years of updates on its Galaxy S25 line, while Google offers the same period on the Pixel 9. With this new program, manufacturers using Qualcomm’s latest chips will be able to match or even exceed these figures, as long as they decide to participate in the initiative.
In addition to improving Android’s competitiveness in terms of software longevity, this strategy also benefits manufacturers, who can reduce maintenance costs by maintaining a more stable codebase over an extended period.
What About Previous Devices?
Although this new update program is great news for future smartphone buyers, it will not retroactively apply to previous generations of Snapdragon processors. Devices with older chips will continue to receive support according to the policies established by each manufacturer, but will not be eligible for the 8 years of updates now offered by Qualcomm on its latest platforms.
Nevertheless, this collaboration marks a milestone in the mobile industry and sets a new standard for the longevity of Android devices. The key now will be to see which manufacturers decide to commit to this program and offer prolonged updates to their users.
Conclusion: A Necessary Change for the Future of Android
Planned obsolescence has been a problem in the smartphone sector for years, forcing users to change devices sooner than necessary due to a lack of software support. With this new initiative from Google and Qualcomm, Android phones will be able to match or even exceed the longevity of iPhones, which will undoubtedly benefit both consumers and the tech ecosystem as a whole.
Starting in late 2024 and early 2025, we will begin to see the first devices with Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 15 that will feature this extended support. Now, the big question is: how many manufacturers will rise to the challenge of offering 8 years of updates?
Will this be the future of the Android ecosystem? Only time will tell.