Qualcomm extends support for Android devices to 8 years

According to Qualcomm Technologies, this innovation will primarily affect Android devices with the most recent Qualcomm chipsets, including smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Elite (e.g. OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25); they will receive Android software and security updates for up to eight years.

Smartphones launching on new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series mobile platforms will also receive this extended support. The program is expected to cover the next five generations of Qualcomm Technologies ASICs.

“The program will also include two upgrades to the mobile platform’s Android Common Kernel (ACK) to support the eight-year window. The kernel is the core of every OS, and these ACK kernel upgrades for Android OS will allow OEMs to provide security for their devices longer. This level of support aligns with the key security initiatives in the U.S. and E.U. aimed at improving the cybersecurity standards for hardware and software products,” – Qualcomm Technologies.

“Through this collaboration, OEMs can more seamlessly update the software and security on their devices, ensuring a more secure and long-lasting Android experience for our users,” – Google.

Earlier, Google and Samsung made a commitment to release security updates for their flagship Android devices for seven years.

In addition, Apple documentation released last year indicates that iPhone 15 and newer devices will receive security updates for at least five years.