Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
- Qualcomm has announced that smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chips will be eligible for up to eight years of Android OS and security updates.
- The program would reduce update costs for manufacturers, but it’s up to phone makers to actually provide the extended support.
- The first devices to benefit will be Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phones launching with Android 15, with future Snapdragon 8 and 7-series devices also eligible.
Qualcomm has teamed up with Google to extend software and security update support for Android devices. Starting with flagship phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm will now allow manufacturers to offer up to eight years of Android updates and security patches.
For Android fans, this is a big deal. Right now, only Google and Samsung offer seven years of updates for their top devices, while most other brands tap out after three to five years. That leaves millions of users stuck with outdated software, missing out on new features, and, worse, exposed to security vulnerabilities. Qualcomm’s new policy could change that, making Android phones more secure and sustainable.