Qualcomm had already said it was assuming no revenue from Apple in 2027 and beyond. However, it still needs to prove it can make up the gap. One way it hopes to do that is by equi

The Linux kernel (Android is just another flavor of Linux, mostly) is also included here because it may need to be updated and patched to support newer versions. Qualcomm says it's committed to supplying whatever is needed for two versions of the Android Common Kernel to meet that eight-year window.

More Android phones could soon provide longer lifetime support updates thanks to a new agreement between Qualcomm and Google. Qualcomm announced on Monday that “up to eight consecutive years of software and security updates” will be available to Android phones running on future Snapdragon 8 and Snapdragon 7-series chips.

Google and Qualcomm’s collaboration is a major milestone in extending the life of smartphones and responding to the increasing demand for more sustainable, secure devices. Offering up to eight years of updates, this initiative is set to reshape how we think about smartphone longevity, ensuring users can enjoy a longer and safer mobile experience.

Qualcomm X85 extends 5G advanced leadership and differentiation for premium Android smartphones, as well as PCs, fixed wireless access and IoT.