Android users have long felt frustrated by how quickly their devices stop receiving software updates. Typically, manufacturers support Android phones for just a few years. As a result, users end up with outdated software and often feel pressured to buy new devices sooner than they’d like. Now, Google plans to address this issue by extending software support for Android phones to a full 7 years. This new policy aims to help Android devices last longer, similar to Apple’s iOS, which is known for its long update cycles.
Google’s 7-Year Update Plan: How It Works
According to Tomsguide, to enable this extended support, Google is simplifying the process for chip manufacturers. Their technology is essential for Android updates. Currently, when a phone manufacturer wants to launch a new version of Android, chipmakers must also update their software. This requirement means both the phone maker and the chipmaker need to put in extra effort. As a result, the update cycle for Android devices often gets shortened.
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With Google’s new plan, chip software will be “frozen.” This means chipmakers only need to certify their software once. That certification will be valid for up to seven versions of Android. Manufacturers can then push updates without needing new chip updates each time. This change will benefit major chipmakers like Qualcomm. It will also simplify long-term support for Android devices, reducing the steps needed for each Android release.
Balancing Pros and Cons
While extended update support is a big win for Android users, freezing the chip software does have some limitations. If Google introduces a new feature in a future Android update that requires an updated chip, devices with frozen software may not support that feature. For example, if a new Android version requires a specific update to the chip’s software, some phones might not be able to use it.
However, most users and experts agree that the benefits of longer-lasting updates outweigh this drawback. In practice, only a few high-end features will be affected, and users will still receive security updates and other essential improvements.
Big Gains for Budget and Mid-Range Phones
This new policy is especially beneficial for users of entry-level and mid-range Android phones. These devices typically have the shortest update support periods, forcing users to upgrade every few years if they want to stay secure. With Google’s extended support plan, budget-friendly Android devices will now receive updates for up to seven years, making them more sustainable and reliable.
By extending update support, Google is taking a big step to improve the Android experience. This new policy allows users to keep their devices longer, stay secure, and access new features—all without needing to upgrade as frequently.