A groundbreaking shift is coming to Android smartphones, as Qualcomm and Google team up to extend software updates for up to eight years.
This move could transform the way we use smartphones, ensuring devices stay secure, fast, and up-to-date far longer than ever before.
According to the tech magazine Giga, the extended update guarantee will apply to all smartphones launching with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and Android 15, as well as the next five generations of Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chips.
Qualcomm has made key upgrades to the Android Common Kernel (ACK) to make this long-term support more cost-effective for manufacturers, removing technical barriers that previously limited update lifespans.
However, the final decision still rests with smartphone brands. Google and Samsung have already stepped up, promising seven years of updates for their upcoming Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 flagship models.
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While older devices won’t benefit from this change, the initiative signals a major turning point for Android users. With longer update cycles, consumers can hold onto their phones for years without worrying about security risks or missing out on new features.
Even mid-range phones are seeing improvements:
Samsung’s Galaxy A56 and Xiaomi’s Redmi 14 will now receive six years of Android updates and security patches, a major step forward for budget-conscious users.
More manufacturers are expected to follow suit, making extended software support a new industry standard rather than a flagship-exclusive perk.
As Android smartphones become smarter, faster, and more sustainable, this move could make frequent phone upgrades a thing of the past.
