Apple is no longer exceptional! Android will normally offer 7 years of support, Google says

Google wants to push for longer support for smartphones running the Android operating system. Specifically, they are talking about up to 7 years, which would be a significant step for users, because they would not have to change mobile phones so often. Everything should start with the deployment of Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets. Since this is a powerful chip, longer software support from manufacturers makes sense.

Android’s short lifespan is a problem

The longevity of Android mobiles has always been the number one topic as many companies deploy Android in their mobiles. Support was not exemplary and some models only received a few updates. This could change in the future as Google pushes forward 7 years of support.

To set an example for other manufacturers, Google promised 7 years of updates for last year’s Pixel 8 series, and of course this also applies to the new Pixel 9 series. Samsung followed in its footsteps, confirming that it will give some of its phones up to 7 years of support, but apart from these two big players, we have not yet received a promise from others.

Google has promised 7-year support for Pixel 9 mobile phones photo: own

Google promotes 7 years of support

Long-term software support may soon be a reality as the server Android Authority got exclusive information, citing an anonymous source. The latter claims that Google introduced the “Longevity GRF” program, which is designed to facilitate long-term support for Android manufacturers.

The obstacle to long-term software support for Android was the chipsets themselves. This is because the chip manufacturer only supported the chip for a few years, and Google required the vendor’s software to be updated with each new Android update.

Program Longevity GRF

Earlier this year, there was supposed to be a closed-door meeting where Google unveiled an update to the “Longevity GRF” program. This will allow Android manufacturers to continue using the original software for up to 7 updates of the Android operating system. It’s only been 3 updates so far, so the lifespan of mobiles should be extended by more than half.

However, Android manufacturers will have to meet a condition and that is to update the Linux kernel at least every 3 years. These are mainly security aspects.

The first will be Qualcomm

Although long-term support for Android updates seems like a great idea, some point to its downsides. Some devices may lack new capabilities that require software updates directly from the manufacturer.

We’ll see how Google handles the challenge going forward. Anyway, it is said that the first supported chip in the “Longevity GRF” program will be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is a powerful chipset that should easily handle 7 years of Android updates.