Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite has officially arrived and is making waves with its powerful performance, advanced AI features, and advanced capabilities in gaming, photography, and more.
Besides the technical specifications that push the boundaries of future Android phones, there is one notable promise: setting a new industry standard: 8 years of OS and security updates.
This extended support period is an important step forward and represents Qualcomm’s commitment to long-term device sustainability and user experience. It relies on OEMs (companies that make the phones) to support this, but this feels like an inevitability.
And for those who keep their phones longer than the typical two-to-three year cycle, this could be a game changer.
Qualcomm
Traditionally, most Android phones offer around three years of major OS updates and security patches, with only a few manufacturers extending that to five years.
The announcement that Snapdragon 8 Elite devices will receive both OS and security updates for 8 years significantly raises the bar. Previously, Samsung and Google set the standard with seven years.
Which devices could be the first to get the eight-year promise? Qualcomm has confirmed that several flagship manufacturers are “ready to launch devices” with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, so it feels like just a matter of time.
Based on the company’s established relationships and past flagship trends, the Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15 series, Oppo Find X8 series, and OnePlus 13 are strong contenders for early adoption of the 8-year update promise.
Other brands like Vivo, Realme, and Asus (with its gaming-focused ROG Phone 9) could follow suit, especially as consumers start prioritizing devices with longer lifespans and extensive software support.
This new standard from Qualcomm is part of a broader industry trend toward longer support cycles and reflects consumers’ desire for durability and reliability in their technology.
You may also be interested in other Snapdragon 8 Elite features that our Mobile Editor would like to try out.
