Launched in 2017, Project Treble aimed to re-architect Android in a way that the Android OS framework is separated from the low-level code created by silicon vendors such as Qualcomm or MediaTek. The feature allowed OEMs to roll out faster OS updates as they needn’t depend on silicon vendors to release chipset code for every major Android release. Hence, users could enjoy the upgrade to the latest Android versions, which was not possible on previously launched handsets.
But until now, Qualcomm has supported only up to three major Android OS releases and three years of security updates. However, Google and Qualcomm announced that starting with devices powered by the Snapdragon 888, Qualcomm will support four major Android OS releases and four years of security updates.
It is terrific news for users, as they don’t have to worry about their device software becoming obsolete. Most importantly, this is great news for Qualcomm as Snapdragon-based devices will be the most up to date Android version available.
But the unfortunate news is that even though Project Treble has been extended, the manufacturers of mobile phones still seem to be unwilling to offer timely OS updates post-sales. Nonetheless, Project Treble plays a crucial role in providing OEMs a framework to lessen rollout times.
To sum it up, Google and Qualcomm are working to extend the OS and security support for snapdragon powered phones. But in its end, it all depends on OEMs as to whether they are willing to release timely updates for their devices or not. OEMs don’t release timely updates because they don’t want to invest a lot in testing and OS distribution. Now the success of Project Treble entirely depends on timely release from OEMs.
