Qualcomm: New Chips to Get 8 Years of Android Security Support

Qualcomm has announced a major improvement in software support for Android devices powered by its latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

In collaboration with Google, the company will now enable manufacturers to provide up to eight years of software and security updates, marking a significant step toward device longevity and sustainability.

The extended support will apply to smartphones launching with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, as well as future devices powered by new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chipsets. Qualcomm's initiative aims to give consumers a longer-lasting and more secure Android experience while also reducing costs for manufacturers by simplifying software maintenance.

Qualcomm and Google extend Android longevity

The new support policy is a result of Qualcomm's close work with Google to enhance the Android ecosystem. By ensuring that Snapdragon-powered devices receive security patches and OS upgrades for nearly a decade, Qualcomm is aligning with broader industry efforts to improve cybersecurity and sustainability in mobile technology.

Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Handsets at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the impact of this move, stating:

“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.”

Similarly, Seang Chau, Vice President and General Manager of the Android Platform at Google emphasized the importance of the collaboration, noting that it will help OEMs “more seamlessly update the software and security on their devices, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for our users.”

How the extended support works

The extended support program ensures that Snapdragon-powered devices will receive:

• Eight years of Android OS updates and security patches.
• Two major Android Common Kernel (ACK) upgrades to keep devices up-to-date with security and performance improvements.
• Enhanced software update efficiency through Google's Project Treble, reducing the need for extensive modifications to vendor code.

These updates will be made available to OEMs, but the decision to implement them ultimately lies with the device manufacturers. Qualcomm has indicated that several OEMs are already committing to longer support periods for their devices.

The first smartphones to benefit from this program will be those launching with Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 15 later in 2025. Additionally, future generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chipsets will also be eligible for the extended software support.

However, Qualcomm has clarified that legacy Snapdragon platforms will not be covered under this initiative. While existing devices will continue to receive updates based on previous agreements, only new platforms starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and upcoming Snapdragon chipsets will be eligible for the extended support.

With regulators in the U.S. and E.U. pushing for longer software support to improve cybersecurity and sustainability, Qualcomm's move is a timely response to these global demands. By extending software updates to eight years, the company is not only offering consumers a more reliable and secure smartphone experience but also helping manufacturers keep devices relevant for longer, reducing electronic waste in the process.