Google, in its commitment to extend the useful life of devices with Android operating system, has presented the Longevity GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) programThis is an initiative that marks a before and after in support for Android smartphones, setting the goal of offering users up to 7 years of updates system and security. This effort is a direct response to strong user demand and long-standing criticism of the scheduled obsolescence, in addition to contributing to technological and environmental sustainability.
Why is the Longevity GRF relevant?
Frequent operating system updates are one of the main factors determining the security, performance, and lifespan of a mobile phone. Until recently, most Android devices received support for only two or three years, forcing users to upgrade prematurely if they wanted to continue enjoying the latest features or security measures. Longevity GRF responds to this dilemma through an innovative technical solution and a global commitment from the Android ecosystem to curb rapid technological obsolescence.
Collaboration with hardware giants: Qualcomm and MediaTek
Google has worked closely with major processor manufacturers for mobile phones, such as Qualcomm y MediaTek, to make this ambitious goal a reality. This collaboration allows chip manufacturers and OEMs (device manufacturers) to offer a Extended support by reusing the original chip software for up to seven major Android updates. The technical alliance makes it possible for phones using these processors to adopt new versions of the operating system without the need for major hardware modifications or disproportionate additional costs.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite It is the first chipset to benefit from Longevity GRF, marking a starting point for mass adoption in future generations and models of smartphones.
- The program has a global impact, allowing brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, HONOR and others can benefit from this extended support.
Origin and evolution: from GRF to Longevity GRF
The root of this progress lies in the program GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) introduced by Google years ago. Its function was to allow chipset suppliers to freeze software requirements for three years, avoiding the need to develop new drivers or adaptations for each new Android version within that period. Longevity GRF extends this concept to seven years, making it much more sustainable for manufacturers and users.
- It enables the reuse of chip manufacturer's software for up to seven Android updates, exceeding the limits of the original three GRF updates.
- This means that a device launched with a specific version of Android can be updated up to seven subsequent generations while maintaining the same chipset.
Technical operation and its keys
The operation of Longevity GRF It consists of allowing the processor's base software (drivers and low-level components) to remain valid for new versions of the operating system for seven years. This allows manufacturers to deploy updates without requiring the chip manufacturer's ongoing involvement in the development of each new version.
- For the first three years, the chip's software remains "frozen," meaning the associated drivers and software do not require modification.
- From the third year onwards, mobile phone manufacturers must update the linux kernel to continue receiving official Google certification, ensuring compatibility and security in future versions.
- Thanks to this model, manufacturers avoid having to invest time and resources in adapting hardware for each update, drastically reducing costs and accelerating the arrival of new versions of Android to end users.
As a result, an Android phone with a compatible processor can, for example, start from a base version of the system (e.g., Android 15) and update up to seven generations later (e.g., Android 22), without having to change the phone due to lack of support.
Advantages for the user: more time, more safety and less environmental impact
The user is the main beneficiary of Longevity GRFYou will receive:
- continuous updates for up to seven years, including new operating system versions, security patches, and stability improvements.
- The ability to keep your device in perfect working order for much longer, avoiding the accelerated replacement cycle.
- Reduction of scheduled obsolescence, one of the biggest historical problems in the mobile sector, with the consequent improvement in user experience.
Furthermore, the impact is notable in environmental terms:
- Reduction of electronic waste by reducing the number of devices that need to be replaced prematurely.
- Decisive contribution to sustainability in the technology industry, aligning mobile development with international environmental protection goals.
- A greener, more responsible mobile sector aligned with consumer expectations and future regulations.
Limitations and challenges of the Longevity GRF
While the program represents a significant improvement, it is not without challenges and limitations. These include:
- Version restrictionsDevices will not be able to launch with Android versions that are more than four updates ahead of the original version supported by the chip. This prevents devices from being sold with only two or three years of actual additional support.
- Support for new hardware featuresBy reusing the base software for so long, the addition of new hardware features that require additional support in future versions of Android may be limited.
- Linux kernel update obligation: Starting in year three, manufacturers will be required to update the kernel if they want to continue receiving Google certification, which involves certain technical maintenance tasks.
- Cost and complexity for manufacturersMaintaining support for older chips and devices entails additional financial and technical costs, which can be passed on to final prices, although Google seeks to minimize these impacts.
- Risk of slowdown in innovationBy focusing on existing devices, some manufacturers may be able to devote fewer resources to launching new devices with more advanced hardware innovations.
Which brands and devices benefit?
Thanks to the approach of Longevity GRF, a large number of manufacturers will be able to offer extended support for their smartphones beyond what has been standard until now, even for the most cutting-edge brands. Brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, HONOR and many others will have the possibility, if they use compatible processors and meet the requirements, to offer up to seven years of support for updates for their terminals. Snapdragon 8 Elite This is the first example, but the list of supported processors is expected to grow rapidly.
- This advancement matches and surpasses the support offered so far by high-end models such as the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, allowing users to choose from more brands and models without sacrificing longevity and security.
- It facilitates the adoption of Android in demanding markets and professional sectors, where durability and long-term support are essential.
Differences compared to other initiatives and Project Treble
Before the arrival of Longevity GRF, Google had already made progress with Project Treble, whose mission was to modularize the Android operating system and facilitate the separation of system software from hardware vendor software. Treble helped make updates faster and less dependent on individual manufacturers, but it still didn't solve the problem of long-term support for drivers and key chip components.
- Longevity GRF It builds on Treble, taking it a step further by freezing the software requirements of the chips and extending their usefulness through seven generations of Android, without requiring direct intervention from chip makers after the initial launch.
- This democratizes the arrival of extended support, preventing only a few premium models or brands from enjoying extended updates.
How Longevity GRF affects user experience and the mobile industry
The user experiences a qualitative leap in his relationship with the Android ecosystem:
- You're no longer forced to upgrade your phone every two or three years to maintain security and access new features.
- It is gaining confidence that its terminal will remain relevant and functional for most of the decade, a significant point in the context of growing concerns about sustainability.
- Access new versions of Android more quickly, even on mid-range and low-end devices, something that was previously restricted to the most expensive models.
On the other hand, the industry is gaining in efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness, better adapting to environmental regulations and sensitivities that require greater responsibility in the production and management of electronic products.
El Longevity GRF It establishes itself as a crucial milestone in the evolution of Android, enabling a more sustainable, secure, and long-lasting user experience. The combination of technical innovation, collaboration between hardware giants, and a clear vision of sustainability places Android at the forefront of the mobile industry, responding to the real needs of users and the planet. With the extension of support to seven years, planned obsolescence is no longer a priority, and the door is opened to a new era of longer-lasting, more efficient, and responsible devices.