Android Phones Update: Google’s 7-Year Support Program Explained

• Android phones update program extends support for up to 7 years.
• The program addresses chipset limitations, extending support for long-term software updates.
• Manufacturers like Samsung and Google already provide similar update durations on select devices.

Android users have long faced challenges with timely software updates, but recent developments are set to change this narrative. Google has been working in the background to ensure that Android devices can now receive updates for an extended period, making them more reliable over time. With new programs in place, Android phones can now receive support for up to 7 years, improving overall device longevity.

This shift comes as a welcome change for users who expect their devices to stay updated without frequent upgrades. As brands like Google and Samsung lead the charge with longer software support, other manufacturers are expected to follow suit, bringing widespread benefits to the Android ecosystem.

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Android Phones Update

Google has set a new benchmark for Android phones by offering 7 years of updates for its Pixel devices. This initiative is now being embraced by other manufacturers, including Samsung, which has extended similar promises for select Galaxy models. However, outside these two brands, the majority of Android mobile devices have yet to make such long-term commitments.

To facilitate this, Google has introduced the Longevity GRF program, designed to simplify the process of delivering software updates for extended periods. The primary challenge for providing long-term updates has always been chipset compatibility. Many chipset manufacturers only provide software support for a few years, limiting the lifespan of Android updates.

The Longevity GRF program changes this dynamic. Previously, Android phones could only receive up to 3 years of software support before needing updates to the vendor’s software. However, this new program extends that timeline to up to 7 years, though manufacturers will need to ensure their devices meet Linux kernel update requirements every 3 years for security reasons.

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Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is among the first to benefit from the Longevity GRF program, although official announcements are still pending from Google and its partners. As Android mobile devices evolve, this new framework will likely become the industry standard for delivering longer-lasting support to users.

What This Means for Android Users

While the extended update period sounds promising, it’s important to note that some features may still require vendor-specific updates. For example, certain functionalities like Android 12’s 2G toggle or Android 13’s flashlight brightness API may not work unless the vendor updates their software. This could result in some devices lacking new features, even if they receive security patches and general updates for several years.

Nonetheless, the overall benefit of this extended support outweighs these limitations. Users will enjoy longer device usability without worrying about their phones becoming obsolete due to lack of software support.

Google’s new Android phones update policy marks a significant improvement for Android users, offering up to 7 years of support for select devices. The Longevity GRF program addresses the challenges of chipset compatibility, ensuring that more devices stay secure and updated for extended periods. This initiative, starting with Google and Samsung, is expected to shape the future of Android mobile updates, providing users with longer-lasting devices.