Google’s Commitment to Longer Android Updates
Google is taking steps to improve the longevity of software updates for Android devices, pushing for up to seven years of support, starting with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Historically, the short lifespan of Android updates has been a concern for users, but Google has been making steady improvements in this area. The company has set a new industry standard by offering seven years of updates for its Pixel 8 series, a policy that was introduced with the Pixel 9 launch as well. Samsung has followed suit with a similar promise for some Galaxy devices, but other Android manufacturers have been slower to adopt such extended update plans.
However, a recent report from Android Authority, citing an anonymous source, reveals that Google is now working to change this through a new program called the “Longevity GRF” (Google Requirements Freeze), which is designed to make long-term support more accessible to Android phone makers. This move signals a potential shift in the industry, as more brands may soon offer longer update lifecycles similar to Google and Samsung.
The Challenge of Chipset Support
One of the key challenges in extending software updates for Android devices lies in chipset support. In the past, chipmakers only supported their hardware for a limited time, which hindered long-term software updates. Google had previously required updated vendor software with each new Android version, complicating the process for manufacturers. However, Google addressed this issue by introducing the “GRF” initiative, which allowed vendors to freeze their software requirements for a few years, enabling updates without needing new vendor software. Despite this effort, most devices only received three years of updates under the original GRF plan.
In a closed-door meeting earlier this year, Google unveiled an update to the longevity GRF program, now known as “Longevity GRF.” This enhanced version allows Android manufacturers to extend software support for up to seven years while continuing to use the original vendor software for multiple Android OS updates. Although this simplifies the update process, manufacturers will still need to update the Linux kernel at least every three years to ensure security. Android Authority notes that backporting security patches to older kernels can lead to more complex updates and could result in missing crucial patches altogether.
Potential Impact on Device Features
While the Longevity GRF program is a step forward in extending software support, it may have some trade-offs. One of the concerns raised by the Android Authority is that certain devices may miss out on new features, even if they continue receiving Android updates. This is because some features rely on updated vendor software, which would not be covered under the GRF program. For instance, Android 12’s 2G toggle and Android 13’s flashlight brightness API are examples of features that require vendor software updates, even if the corresponding Android updates are available.
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is reportedly the first chipset supported under the Longevity GRF program. However, neither Google nor its partners have made any official announcements about the program yet, leaving the industry waiting for more details on how this will shape the future of Android updates.
