Partnership Expansion
and have announced an extension of software and security updates for Android devices, aiming for up to eight years of support for phones using Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips.
This initiative starts with devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, including flagship models like the and OnePlus 13, and will extend to future generations of Qualcomm chips.
Implementation and Challenges
Despite the potential for extended support, Qualcomm emphasizes that it's up to device manufacturers to decide whether to offer this on specific models, leaving the actual implementation at the discretion of OEMs.
Critics point out two main challenges: the longevity of smartphones beyond eight years due to hardware limitations and the varying commitment of manufacturers to provide long-term support, with some brands still offering minimal updates.