Qualcomm and Google Promise 8 Years of Updates, But Samsung’s One UI 7 Delays Spark Skepticism

In the ever-evolving world of Android smartphones, software updates have emerged as a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Recently, Qualcomm and Google announced a groundbreaking partnership, promising up to eight years of Android OS and security updates for devices powered by the latest Snapdragon chips, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This bold commitment elevates the standard beyond the current seven-year support offered by leading brands like Samsung and Google’s own Pixel line. Yet, despite this exciting advancement, Samsung users are growing increasingly skeptical. The company’s ongoing delays with the One UI 7 rollout, based on Android 15, have raised doubts about its ability to deliver on such long-term promises, leaving customers frustrated and questioning Samsung’s commitment.

A Game-Changing Commitment from Qualcomm and Google

The collaboration between Qualcomm and Google represents a pivotal moment for the Android ecosystem, tackling one of its most persistent criticisms: the historically short software support lifespan of Android devices compared to Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Apple has long set the bar high, consistently delivering five to six years of updates for its iPhones, with some models—like the iPhone 6S—receiving support for even longer. In contrast, Android devices have often been limited to two or three years of OS updates, leaving users with outdated software and security vulnerabilities. By extending support to eight years, Qualcomm and Google aim to close this gap, potentially transforming consumer expectations for device longevity, sustainability, and value retention.

At the heart of this initiative is the Android Common Kernel (ACK), a standardized kernel designed to streamline updates across a diverse range of Android devices. The ACK reduces the complexity of adapting new software versions to different hardware configurations, a challenge that has historically contributed to Android’s fragmentation. Qualcomm is enhancing this framework by committing to two upgrades to the ACK, ensuring that devices can efficiently receive both security patches and full OS updates over an extended period. For example, this could mean a Snapdragon-powered phone launched in 2025 might still receive Android 23 in 2033, complete with the latest security enhancements.

This technical advancement offers multiple benefits. For consumers, it means devices remain secure, functional, and relevant for nearly a decade, aligning with growing demands for sustainability in tech. For manufacturers, it simplifies the update process, potentially reducing development costs and logistical hurdles. However, there’s a significant catch: the success of this promise depends entirely on device manufacturers’ willingness and ability to implement it. While Qualcomm and Google provide the tools, companies like Samsung must prioritize and execute the delivery of these updates. For Samsung users, this raises a critical question—can their trusted brand rise to the occasion? The current struggles with One UI 7 suggest that the answer might not be as straightforward as hoped.

Samsung’s One UI 7 Delays: A Stumbling Block

While Qualcomm and Google are paving the way for longer-lasting Android devices, Samsung’s troubles with One UI 7 are casting a shadow over the excitement. One UI 7, built on Android 15, was initially slated to debut alongside the Galaxy S25 series in January 2025, following Samsung’s tradition of unveiling new software with its flagship launches. However, recent reports indicate significant delays, particularly for older devices like the Galaxy S24, S23, and Z Fold 6 series. Sources suggest the stable version for these models might not roll out until March or April 2025, with some insider leaks hinting at an even later timeline depending on testing and optimization challenges.

This delay is particularly jarring for Galaxy S24 owners, who purchased their devices as recently as January 2024. Less than a year into ownership, these users are still running One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, missing out on Android 15’s new features—like improved battery management, enhanced privacy controls, and a revamped notification system. To add salt to the wound, Samsung has been pushing out security updates, such as the February 2025 patch, to these devices. While these patches address critical vulnerabilities, they’re still tethered to the older One UI 6.1 framework, offering no new functionality or performance boosts. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, a premium foldable priced above $1,800, remains on last year’s software despite its cutting-edge hardware, frustrating early adopters who expect more from a flagship.

Samsung’s silence on the matter only deepens the discontent. The company has yet to release an official statement clarifying the reasons for the delay, leaving room for speculation. Some analysts point to resource allocation issues, suggesting Samsung is focusing its efforts on perfecting One UI 7 for the Galaxy S25 to ensure a strong launch. Others suspect strategic timing, theorizing that Samsung might be holding back updates for older devices to incentivize upgrades to the S25 series. Historically, Samsung has faced similar criticism—One UI 5, for example, saw staggered rollouts in late 2022, with some regions waiting months longer than others. However, with the stakes raised by Qualcomm and Google’s eight-year promise, these delays feel more consequential than ever.

Why These Delays Are a Big Deal

Samsung’s sluggish pace with One UI 7 isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a warning sign for anyone banking on the eight-year update promise. Here’s a deeper look at why these delays carry such weight:

1. Timeliness Reflects Commitment
   Samsung has built a strong reputation by promising seven years of OS and security updates for its recent flagships, starting with models like the Galaxy S21 series. This policy, matching Google’s Pixel support timeline, has been a key differentiator in the Android market, appealing to users who value long-term reliability. However, if Samsung can’t deliver a major update like One UI 7 on schedule, it casts doubt on its ability to sustain consistent support over eight years. Timeliness isn’t just about convenience—it’s a litmus test for trust. Delays can signal internal challenges, such as insufficient development resources or poor coordination with chipset partners like Qualcomm. For example, if a device launched in 2025 misses its Android 16 update in 2026, users might wonder if it will still be supported by Android 23 in 2033.
2. Perceived Prioritization
   The suspicion that Samsung is prioritizing new device sales over existing customers is gaining traction. Many users believe the company is delaying One UI 7 for older devices to make the Galaxy S25 series—rumored to feature exclusive software enhancements—more appealing at launch. This perception erodes confidence in Samsung’s long-term strategy. If customers feel their $1,000 flagship is being sidelined to boost new sales, loyalty could waver. In today’s market, where sustainability and device longevity are increasingly prized—evidenced by trends like right-to-repair movements—such a move could backfire. Competitors like Google, with its Pixel 9 promising seven years of updates out of the box, or Apple, with its seamless iOS rollouts, might siphon off disillusioned Samsung fans.
3. Execution Is Everything
   Qualcomm and Google’s eight-year promise is only as strong as the manufacturers’ ability to deliver. Long-term support demands significant investment—dedicated software teams, rigorous testing across diverse hardware, and robust supply chain coordination. Samsung’s delays with One UI 7 hint at potential weaknesses in these areas. For instance, integrating Android 15 with Samsung’s custom One UI layer requires optimizing for everything from the Galaxy S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to the Z Flip 6’s foldable display—a complex task that grows harder as devices age. If Samsung falters now, can it handle eight years of updates? The company’s past success with seven-year commitments is promising, but the current stumble suggests execution challenges that could jeopardize the extended timeline.
   

These factors collectively amplify skepticism about Samsung’s role in the eight-year update vision. Without swift action, the company risks undermining its own promises and the broader Android ecosystem’s push for longevity.

Customers Speak Out

Samsung users are not staying quiet about their frustrations, with platforms like X becoming a sounding board for their grievances. One user vented, “Time to switch brands. Enough of this waiting bs, it has been 17 months since we got the last major OneUI update (6.0 back in October 2023). OneUI 7 is already 5 months late & they wanna delay it even more to boost 25 series sales.” Another chimed in, “Samsung’s update game is pathetic—S24 still on 6.1 while they hype the S25. What’s the point of flagship prices if support lags?” A third user added, “Fold 6 here, $2k down the drain, and I’m stuck on last year’s software. Ridiculous.”

These reactions paint a vivid picture of growing disillusionment. Users who invested in Samsung’s ecosystem—drawn by its sleek hardware and long-term support promises—now feel shortchanged. The 17-month gap since One UI 6.0 underscores a perceived slowdown in Samsung’s update cadence, starkly contrasting with Google’s prompt Pixel updates or Apple’s annual iOS rollouts. This discontent threatens Samsung’s brand loyalty, a cornerstone of its dominance in the Android market. If users begin migrating to alternatives like the Pixel 9 or iPhone 16, Samsung could face a tangible hit to its market share, especially among tech-savvy early adopters.

Can Samsung Turn It Around?

Samsung isn’t out of moves yet, but the clock is ticking. Transparency could be a first step—issuing a detailed statement about One UI 7’s delays, perhaps citing specific hurdles like software bugs or chipset optimization, might temper user frustration. For example, acknowledging efforts to ensure stability across its vast device portfolio could rebuild some goodwill. Beyond words, Samsung must demonstrate action: accelerating the One UI 7 rollout, even if in phases, and committing to a clearer timeline for future updates.

To fully embrace Qualcomm and Google’s eight-year vision, Samsung needs to streamline its update process. This might involve expanding its software teams, enhancing collaboration with Qualcomm for ACK integration, or adopting a more modular update approach like Google’s Project Mainline, which separates core system components for faster delivery. The company’s track record—delivering seven years of support for devices like the Galaxy S23—shows it has the capability, but consistency is now the challenge.

For now, the One UI 7 delays have left Samsung users wary, casting doubt on the company’s ability to match Qualcomm and Google’s ambitious promise. Eight years of updates could revolutionize Android device longevity, but it’s a hollow pledge without flawless execution. Samsung’s next steps—both with One UI 7 and its long-term strategy—will determine whether it can restore confidence and lead the charge, or risk losing ground to rivals who deliver on their promises more swiftly.