Google and Qualcomm have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership aimed at extending the longevity of Android smartphones through up to eight years of operating system (OS) and security updates. This initiative targets devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with select smartphones using Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series mobile platforms also eligible for the extended support.
The move, announced by Google on Monday, is designed to provide Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with the tools necessary to offer extended software support while simultaneously reducing the overall costs associated with system upgrades. Qualcomm’s involvement in this collaboration ensures that Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), including the Snapdragon 8 Elite, will receive continuous updates without requiring significant alterations to OEM-specific platform code.
As part of this effort, Qualcomm will preserve an unchanged vendor code, thus minimizing the need for major software revisions. However, kernel mode driver updates will still be required to ensure devices remain compatible with future versions of Android. In addition, the extended support will cover two upgrades to the Android Common Kernel (ACK), facilitating ongoing alignment with Google’s evolving Android ecosystem.
The goal of this initiative is not only to enhance the longevity and performance of devices but also to promote sustainability in the smartphone industry. By extending software support, Google and Qualcomm aim to reduce the frequency of smartphone upgrades, which contributes to a more environmentally conscious technology consumption model.
Smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and running Android 15 will be the first to benefit from this extended update cycle. Qualcomm also confirmed that future generations of its ASICs—spanning five generations—will be included in this program. However, legacy chipsets will not be eligible for the extended OS support.
It’s important to note that while Qualcomm and Google have set the stage for extended software support, the final implementation will depend on individual OEMs. OEMs will have the discretion to decide whether to offer the full eight years of software updates to their customers, meaning that while Snapdragon-powered devices will be capable of receiving these extended updates, the decision ultimately rests with the manufacturers.
This partnership between Google and Qualcomm marks a significant step toward promoting sustainability and longevity in the Android smartphone market, benefiting both users and the environment.
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