# Qualcomm and Google Enhance Android Support: Implications for Snapdragon 8 and 7 Series Devices
Qualcomm has unveiled a significant partnership with Google to prolong software and security update support for Android devices utilizing its latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, Snapdragon 8, and Snapdragon 7 series chipsets. This initiative seeks to improve device longevity and sustainability, guaranteeing users up to **eight years of Android updates**.
## **Implications for Android Users**
Through this program, smartphones featuring Qualcomm’s newest chipsets will enjoy extended software support, which includes Android system updates and security patches. This represents a notable advancement in resolving issues related to the longevity of Android devices, which has traditionally fallen short compared to Apple’s iOS ecosystem in terms of long-term software assistance.
### **Devices Eligible for Support**
The prolonged support will apply to flagship and high-end mid-range smartphones equipped with the **Snapdragon 8 Elite, Snapdragon 8, and Snapdragon 7 series** chipsets. Some prominent devices anticipated to gain from this effort include:
– **Samsung Galaxy S25 series**
– **OnePlus 13**
– **Xiaomi 15 Ultra**
– **Honor Magic 7 Pro**
– **Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro**
These devices will qualify for up to **eight years of Android OS and security updates**, allowing users to retain their phones for an extended period without the concern of obsolete software.
## **Advancing Sustainability and Cost Efficiency**
By prolonging software support, Qualcomm and Google are fostering sustainability by decreasing electronic waste. Consumers will no longer feel the urgency to replace their phones every few years due to insufficient updates, thereby making smartphones a more enduring investment.
Moreover, Qualcomm’s strategy encompasses **kernel updates**, which play a vital role in maintaining device performance and security. This might also render it more cost-effective for manufacturers to deliver yearly updates, as they won’t need to completely revamp software compatibility with each new Android iteration.
## **Obstacles and Restrictions**
Although this initiative marks a positive advancement, there are some limitations:
1. **OEMs Make the Final Decision** – Qualcomm provides the tools for extended updates, but it is ultimately up to manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi to execute them. Some brands may opt not to extend the complete eight years of support.
2. **Exclusion of Older Devices** – This program is limited to devices featuring the latest Snapdragon chipsets. Older smartphones with previous-generation processors will not benefit from these extended updates.
3. **Not a Uniform Android Solution** – While Google’s Pixel phones already deliver seven years of updates, this initiative does not assure the same extent of support for all Android devices.
## **The Future of Android Updates**
This partnership between Qualcomm and Google signifies a major enhancement in the landscape of Android’s software support. It aligns with Google’s wider objectives to boost Android’s longevity, akin to the **Pixel 8 series**, which already provides seven years of updates.
As more manufacturers adopt this strategy, Android users can anticipate longer-lasting devices, enhanced security, and a more sustainable smartphone ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of this initiative will rely on the number of OEMs that fully engage in it.
For the moment, if you’re considering purchasing a new Android phone, choosing a device with **Snapdragon 8 Elite, Snapdragon 8, or Snapdragon 7 series** could guarantee you receive long-term software support.
