Google extends software updates for Android phones

The extended warranty doesn’t come without its risks.

With devices getting smarter, faster, and better nowadays, one problem is that they need to be replaced after several years because they stop receiving software updates.

Google has decided to change that by first extending the warranty for the Pixel 8 and newer phones. This led Samsung to prolong the warranty for some of its Galaxy devices.

However, only these two brands were changing their warranty policies. Now, that's about to change, with more Android devices getting a seven-year update.

Google has introduced its Longevity GFR (Google Requirements Freeze) program, which makes it easier for Android manufacturers to extend the support, first reports Android Authority.

The main reason a warranty can't be prolonged that easily is device chipsets. Chipmakers provide a few years of warranty to the processors and related hardware. After this time, they stop giving necessary updates for the chipsets.

Meanwhile, Google requires device manufacturers to ensure the chipset software is updated with each new Android version.

Due to this situation, where device manufacturers become dependent on chipmakers, Google devised a solution: the Longevity GFR program. This program temporarily "freezes" the requirement for new vendor software updates, making it easier for device manufacturers to provide the latest Android updates.

However, this solution is also temporary, as GFR can only extend the warranty for three more years.

While Android manufacturers get a seven-year warranty, they are still required to update the Linux kernel, the foundation of the Android operating system, every three years to avoid security and update issues.

It's also been reported that the prolonged warranty period may cause some devices to lack certain new features, as these features also require an update from vendor software.

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite is the first chip in the “Longevity GRF” program, which allows smartphones equipped with the chip to receive updates for an extended period.