Qualcomm extends support for updates on Android devices with Snapdragon 8 Elite: Here’s everything you need to know

Smartphones are an integral part of our everyday lives — we rely on them for virtually everything — so it’s understandable that consumers would want to get the most out of them. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has worked with Google to enable device manufacturers to provide consumers with updates that allow them to increase the longevity of their Android phones.

Starting with Android smartphones running on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm Technologies now offers device manufacturers the ability to provide support for up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates. Smartphones launching on new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series mobile platforms will also be eligible to receive this extended support.  

This move underscores a commitment by Qualcomm Technologies to bring as much value as possible to the products powered by our chipsets. The longer window promotes both device longevity and sustainability, while ensuring that device manufacturers have access to the latest version of Android during those eight years. The timeframe represents the longest length of software support Qualcomm Technologies has provided for smartphone platforms available to device manufacturers, which is a major improvement from just a few years ago.  

"Qualcomm Technologies is excited to take this step forward, working closely with Google to facilitate the latest Android OS upgrades on devices with Snapdragon," said Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies. "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."

"Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s efforts to extend the lifespan of Android devices are a key step for increasing the longevity of smartphones," said Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform. "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."

How does this program work and which devices will benefit from the extended coverage? Here are all the answers to your burning questions. 

What’s going on?

Qualcomm Technologies has worked with Google to allow ASICs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform to receive up to eight consecutive years of Android updates and security patches. This represents one of the longest support windows available in the industry.

What this means is that support for platform software included in this program will be made available to OEMs for eight consecutive years, including both Android OS and kernel upgrades, without requiring significant changes or upgrades to the platform and OEM code on the device (a separation commonly referred as “Project Treble” or the “vendor implementation”). While kernel changes will require updating kernel mode drivers, the vendor code can remain unchanged while the software support is being provided. This software support can lower costs for OEMs interested in supporting their devices longer and can show consumers the advantages of Snapdragon mobile processors and software support.

We mentioned this in the fall during Snapdragon Summit, and products with extended coverage started hitting the market towards the end of 2024.

Are security updates included?

Yes. The program includes eight years of security updates on included platforms.

What else is covered?

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.

What devices are covered in this program?

Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones launching with Android 15 will be the first handsets that fall under this program. The program will cover the next five generations of Qualcomm Technologies ASICs as part of our collaboration with Google. 

Is it just Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices?

Later this year, smartphones and mobile phones launching on new Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series mobile platforms will also be eligible to receive the extended software support being offered by Qualcomm Technologies. It’s important to note that the decision over whether an eligible device will take advantage of the extended software support will fall to the OEM.

Will every Snapdragon 8 and 7-powered devices get updates?

Whether an eligible smartphone or mobile phone receives all the software support being offered by Qualcomm Technologies is up to the OEM.  But Qualcomm Technologies is already seeing commitments from OEMs to keep their devices available to consumers for longer.

What about previous Snapdragon platforms, will they also get 8 years of support?

Legacy platforms cannot take advantage of the extended support. Qualcomm Technologies will continue to work with OEMs on their software support needs for legacy platforms across our product lines.