More Android phones could soon provide longer lifetime support updates thanks to a new agreement between Qualcomm and Google. Qualcomm announced on Monday that “up to eight consecutive years of software and security updates” will be available to Android phones running on future Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series chips.

The Linux kernel (Android is just another flavor of Linux, mostly) is also included here because it may need to be updated and patched to support newer versions. Qualcomm says it's committed to supplying whatever is needed for two versions of the Android Common Kernel to meet that eight-year window.

Qualcomm is teaming up with Google to bring 8 years worth of updates to all Android devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets.

The extended support window only applies to Android devices with the latest Qualcomm chipsets. To start, the eight-year support timeline will be extended to devices running the new Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform,

Qualcomm and Google collaborate to extend the duration of Android software updates, enhancing device longevity and security.

Phones running the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip can get up to eight years of software support. More and more Android phones could come with longer software and security support, thanks to a partnership between Google and Qualcomm.

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Google and Qualcomm’s collaboration is a major milestone in extending the life of smartphones and responding to the increasing demand for more sustainable, secure devices. Offering up to eight years of updates, this initiative is set to reshape how we think about smartphone longevity, ensuring users can enjoy a longer and safer mobile experience.

New Snapdragon-powered smartphones will benefit from extended OS and security updates, ensuring longevity and sustainability.