Android updates have become increasingly important, and improvements in this area over the past few years are notable.
Samsung’s initiative to offer up to 7 years of software support for flagship devices has pushed other brands, including Google, to enhance their update policies.
Qualcomm is now taking steps to simplify this process for other manufacturers. Qualcomm aims to make it easier for OEMs to deliver Android updates, addressing the challenge posed by older chipsets.
Easier Android Updates for OEMs
Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets at Qualcomm, shared in an interview with Android Authority that Qualcomm plans to introduce changes to assist OEMs in updating older Android phones.
Delays in Android OS updates often occur because chipset makers like Qualcomm and MediaTek stop supporting older models, limiting the number of updates some phones receive. Qualcomm, however, claims it isn’t a primary bottleneck.
The company has been collaborating with Google and OEMs to “change the structure of inline code — to kind of change the machinery for how we do those updates.”
Patrick refrained from providing further details but hinted at more information coming “later this year.” The report suggests that these announcements might occur at Qualcomm’s annual Snapdragon Summit or possibly at IFA.
Qualcomm’s updates aim to benefit Android users with streamlined processes. With recent improvements by Samsung and Google, these changes encourage manufacturers to extend support, aiming for timely updates and reduced costs.
Users seek quicker updates and longer support, especially on Qualcomm-equipped devices. The announcement targets faster Android updates, addressing a critical ecosystem need.
In his interview with Android Authority, Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets at Qualcomm, said,
You’ll see later this year that we’ll make some announcements about the changes we’ve made to facilitate this and help the whole ecosystem keep Android phones closer to up to date.