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.

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

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

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.

Qualcomm has announced that it and Google are committed to give Android devices eight years of updates, but obviously not all are eligible.

Qualcomm and Google announced extended support for Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chipsets this week, meaning owners of supported devices could be in line for up to 8 full years of software and security updates.

Google and Qualcomm have partnered to provide up to eight years of Android updates for select devices starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite on Android