Google and Qualcomm: 4-year Android Updates
Compared to the iOS camp, the Android camp has always had a fragmentation of system updates, many models still running Android 9, indeed important security updates, privacy features, but also Google’s long-standing headache. Google had previously launched the Project Treble project, the purpose is to allow chip and cell phone manufacturers to more easily update the phone, although there is an effect, but not obvious.
Recently, Qualcomm and Google collaborated and announced that the two companies will provide support for Android OS versions and security updates for four years, starting with Android phones equipped with Snapdragon 888 chips. In other words, future Snapdragon 888-equipped models will have access to 4 years of Android updates.
Take the Xiaomi 11/Oppo Find X3/Samsung S21 for example, which should ship with MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, and users can continuously upgrade to Android 14 or Android 15 in the future, as well as security patches for the system.
In a nutshell, future Android phones with Snapdragon 888 chips will have access to 4 years of software updates. Of course, this also requires a commitment from Samsung, LG, or other Android phone makers to do the same. But in any case, it’s a big deal in the industry for Google and Qualcomm to publicly acknowledge that every phone maker should do the same.
Via: XDA Developers, 9to5Google, Features Image: Android
