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Android phones are slowly getting the right OS support which makes them run for many years like the iPhones and Google is doing more.
The Pixel 8 series started the trend for longer update cycle
Google Pixel and Samsung flagship phones these days come with 7 years of Android upgrades and security updates promises. But we might see this go further up a notch from this year as the company is ready to up the ante and make the OS support even more.
Yes, Google and Qualcomm have joined hands to bring 8 years of OS upgrades for the next line of flagship phones. The change comes into effect with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and the brands adopting this hardware have the ability to support up to 8 years of Android upgrades.
More Upgrades, More Value
The new Pixel phones and even the Galaxy S25 series from Samsung are promised 7 years of updates and while you can question if the hardware can run that long, it is good to see Google finally take the OS approach seriously with its partners. Yes, there will be concerns about the future-proofing of these devices, albeit only in the flagship segment but it is a start in the right direction.
We are seeing small signs of these changes trickling down to the accessible price point, which will push more brands to have a focused plan for OS upgrades and not just work on it like an afterthought.
Qualcomm and Google are saying, you have the hardware support for long OS updates, now go ahead and offer longevity for your devices rather than delay the release. Granted, the companies are offering these updates but the timing of their roll out is equally vital, something we are seeing with Samsung, which is yet to push the Android 15 update for its older Galaxy flagship models.
Google is definitely more proactive in that sense, and similar to Apple’s push for iOS updates. The biggest change we might see because of this policy is that people will retain their devices for a longer duration, which has a direct impact on how brands decide to refresh their premium products.
