Android Operating System updates have been complicated for a few years with different vendors having diverse schedules to deliver for their devices. This is set to develop with the latest collaboration between Qualcomm and Google.
The project has produced great results, the latest of which is that all future Qualcomm chipsets will support up to three Operating System updates. And it starts with the upcoming Snapdragon 888.
Besides OS update support, the latest Snapdragon 888 and other Qualcomm chipsets will also receive 4 years’ worth of security updates. Simply put, flagship devices of 2021 will be eligible for multiple updates.
While most flagship and mid-range Android devices are equipped with Snapdragon mobile platforms, there are some mid-range and entry-level Android devices using on other chipsets such as MediaTek. It remains to be seen if Google will work with the other chip makers to offer a similar collaboration.
Some of the upcoming smartphones that are expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 888 include the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, OnePlus 9, and Xiaomi Mi 11,
Eligibility does not mean a guarantee, though, as it will still be ultimately up to the OEMs to roll out the OS upgrades into their smartphones.