The eight years of updates are already possible on Android. That will happen is something very different

Who was going to tell us a few years ago that a phone could be updated up to eight times to a new version of operating system. This is precisely what Google and Qualcomm have just signed, supporting updates for eight years to all those manufacturers that incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Elite on your phones.

“This means that the support for platform software included in this program will be available for OEM for eight consecutive years, including updates of the Android and Kernel operating system, without the need to make important changes or updates on the platform and the code OEM of the device (a separation commonly known as “project treble” or “supplier implementation”). Update of Kernel mode controllers, the supplier code can remain unchanged while providing software support. “

Updating for eight years sounds very good, but it is difficult to end up becoming a common practice.

Manufacturer’s decision. Qualcomm and Google have opened the door, but it is the manufacturers who decide whether or not. In fact, Qualcomm itself makes it clear in its statement.

“The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will decide if a smartphone or an eligible mobile phone will receive all software support offered For longer. “

Last year, Qualcomm already endured Seven years of updatesand just Samsung and Google got on the car. Among all Android manufacturers, these two are the only ones that offer seven -year updates from the date of purchase of the device.

A small shot in the foot. Updating a phone for seven years is a complex matter. On the one hand, it is a great sale argument. If we think of brands such as Samsung, Google or Apple, the first thing that can come to mind is “longevity.” They are phones made to last, and when we are looking for a high -end phone, this point is key.

But, on the other hand, support for eight years involves dedicating eight years of resources to a telephone that will stop selling after their first year of life. That is why the vast majority of manufacturers still do not offer a wide cycle of updates.

Manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Oppo offer four years of system updates. Others, as alive, stay in three.

The battle with the annual model. We have been raising a movement that a priori would make sense: stop launching a year a year. The technological maturity of the smartphone is increasing (even more in the highest ranges), something that makes it difficult to see relevant innovations.

If a phone is going to last eight years, a renewal cycle every two years is not crazy. Despite this, launching annual devices remains a strategy to boost income and grow the manufacturers ecosystem.

Not only will it be high -end thing. “The smartphones that are launched with the new mobile platforms of the Snapdragon 8 and 7 series will also be eligible to receive this extended support.”

Qualcomm has not detailed which series models seven will be compatible, but opens the doors for mid -range models also have an extensive life cycle. Great news about the paper, although it will remain to be checked how many manufacturers update a phone away from the first line.

Image | Xataka

In Xataka | How to update Android to your latest version