Qualcomm’s journey in the realm of System on Chips (SoCs) for Windows has been a challenging one, with the Snapdragon 835 and Snapdragon 850 standing out as pivotal players in the ARM landscape. However, as technology evolves, so too must its components, and the time has come for Qualcomm to bid adieu to the Snapdragon 850. This chipset will no longer be compatible with Windows 11 following the upcoming update.
With Windows 11 version 26H2 officially rolled out, it’ll be the last update supported by the Snapdragon 850
In a recent announcement on the Microsoft Ignite page, a list of SoCs that will support the new Windows 11 version 26H2 has been revealed. Among these, the Snapdragon 850 is included, alongside other notable chipsets such as the Snapdragon 7c, Snapdragon 8c, and Snapdragon 8cx. However, the Snapdragon 850 will not be able to support the anticipated version 27H2, set to debut next year.
On a brighter note, the 26H2 update promises 24 months of support, meaning devices powered by the Snapdragon 850 will continue to receive essential security updates for approximately two more years. After this period, these devices will be left without further patches. It’s worth noting that Microsoft had previously ceased support for the older Snapdragon 835, and the Snapdragon 850 is now following suit. While Microsoft has not provided a detailed explanation for this decision, the absence of a statement does not rule out the possibility of unexpected developments.
There have been instances in the past where software updates were not officially supported on older processors, yet they managed to function seamlessly. There remains a glimmer of hope that the Snapdragon 850 may still surprise users in the months ahead. For those who thrive on the latest software updates and the new features they bring, it may be prudent to consider a hardware upgrade in the near future.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech’s mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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