One of the main cons of being an Android user over the years has always been the inability to have an extended window of guaranteed software updates. Normally, most Android smartphones get up to 3 years forcing one to consider a new smartphone if you don’t want to have a device with outdated software. Now, it looks like Google is planning to change that by extending software support for Android phones for a full 7 years. The new policy is reportedly aimed at helping Android devices last longer, almost like what we see with Apple’s iOS, well known for its long upgrade cycles.
How It Works
According to reports, Google looks to make this possible by simplifying the process for chip manufacturers, whose technology is crucial for Android updates. As it stands, chip makers always have to update their software as phone manufacturers launch a new version of Android. This means that both the device and chip makers are required to put in extra effort to stay in sync. So, both manufacturers tend to make the cycles shorter to focus on future smartphones and processors.
This new plan, however, will mean that chip software is frozen, allowing manufacturers to have to certify their software only once. This certification will then be valid for up to seven future versions of Android. Phone brands will then find it easier to push these updates without having to wait for chip makers to upgrade their own. Firms like Qualcomm and MediaTek will probably be the ones that benefit the most from this new policy.
One issue that might arise from this though is that feezing chip software tends to come with some limitations. For instance, if Google was to bring in a new feature in a future Android update that requires an updated chip, smartphones with frozen software may not be able to support that feature.
That said, I don’t think most users will care too much about that if it means getting the benefits of longer-lasting updates. As long as you are still receiving the necessary security updates and other essential improvements, the high-end features can wait.
Users of budget and mid-range Android smartphones will look to benefit the most from this policy change as they typically have the shortest update support windows.
