Android updates are very important, and it’s good to see that things have gotten better over the last few years. Google started offering longer software support first, and this pushed other brands, like Samsung, to offer more Android OS and security updates. Now, Qualcomm is working on something that should make it easier for brands to provide these updates.
Qualcomm is working to make Android updates easier
Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets at Qualcomm, told Android Authority that Qualcomm has been working with Google and Android manufacturers to change how updates are done. They have been improving the code structure to make updates smoother and easier.
These changes should help brands keep their devices updated with the latest software more easily. Qualcomm will announce something later this year to make this process even better.
Chris Patrick didn’t say exactly when or where this announcement will happen, but it might be at the Snapdragon Summit 2024 in October. This event will also likely introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, which will be used in high-end Android phones like the Galaxy S25 series.
In the past, brands like Samsung gave only a couple of major Android OS updates for their high-end phones, and fewer updates for mid-range and low-end devices. Some phones didn’t get any major updates at all. But Samsung started to improve by offering three major updates. Later, they announced that high-end and some mid-range devices would get four major updates and five years of security updates.
Last year, Google said it would provide Android OS and security updates to Pixel devices for seven years. This was a big deal because even Apple doesn’t promise updates for that long for iPhones and iPads. A few months later, Samsung said it would also offer seven major updates for its high-end phones and tablets, starting with the Galaxy S24.
