Qualcomm is partnering with Google to extend software support on Android devices released with Snapdragon 8 Elite. The announcement just confirmed the Galaxy S25 series may be eligible for up to 8 years of Android updates.
The official press release reveals that Google and Qualcomm agreed to offer device manufacturers (OEMs) the “ability to provide support for up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates.”
Samsung already offers up to 7 years of OS and security updates on the recent flagship models. Meanwhile, the latest Galaxy S25 series may go even beyond, reaching a whopping 8 years of Android software updates lifespan.
Software longevity is useless if users still awaiting the first OS upgrade after more than a year of launch. Software longevity has turned a marketing stunt beyond consumer satisfaction the same way OEMs often consider sustainability in products.
Back to the topic: Qualcomm and Google launched a project for longevity. Devices launched with Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 15 pre-installed are to be supported for up to 8 years; no barrier from the chipset’s part.
Advertisement
The program runs for the “next five generations” of SoCs, including Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips launching “later this year.” It specifically includes “two upgrades to the mobile platform’s Android Common Kernel to support the eight-year window.”
But it doesn’t mean every Android phone with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip will get longer software support. Qualcomm and Google agreed to uplevel software offerings, but the ball remains in the hands of phone makers to take the final call.
Bad news for S24 users
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series is highly likely to get extended software support. Newer flagships equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite and beyond chips would also be eligible, however, the Galaxy S24 series is already excluded from the Program.
The S24 lineup comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Qualcomm’s program covers devices using the Snapdragon 8 Elite. All in all, it’s bad news for the users of the S24 series, returning in 1-year lesser software support.
