Reliable Android updates are a key selling point of Google’s Nexus line of phones. Even Nexuses have an expiration date, though. Now, Google has a published list of when you can stop expecting updates for your Nexus phone or tablet.
The list can be found here, on one of Google’s support pages under “How long your Nexus will get updates”. Currently the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are the safest, with promised Android version updates lasting at least through September 2017. Most other Nexus devices are either past their expiration date already or, in the case of the Nexus 6 and 9, will expire in October of 2016.
Google specifically notes that past these dates there’s no guarantee of an update. It’s entirely possible that Google may decide to give a little more life to certain devices at their discretion, but you probably shouldn’t count on it. Also, these dates only apply to Android version updates. Nexus devices will continue to get monthly security updates for “the longer of 3 years from availability or 18 months from when the Google Store last sold the device”.
Timing for Android software updates [Google via Android Police]
Comments
6 responses to “This List Shows When Nexus Devices Will Stop Receiving Android Updates”
Seems to be around a two and a half year OS support. I’ve seen some iOS devices receieve updates up to four years old.
Considering there’s generally a larger number of exploits towards Android, you’d expect Google to be more generous in providing updates (at least mitigating against vulnerabilities) for longer.
But again, built-in obsolescence makes money and people like turning over their handsets more frequently…
the article is only 3 paragraphs long and you didn’t even get through it all, if you read the last sentence you’ll see that the monthly security updates will still hit devices for at a minimum 3 years but likely even longer given the store sale length clause, its hardly an issue
Thanks for the clarification, apologies.
And when this doesn’t make them enough money, they will reduce the window even further…
good to have some concrete numbers for the nexus devices, now if only google would force that upon third parties we might actually be able to consider them in our buying line up.
Wow so the 6P and 5X only get 2 years of guaranteed updates from release?
That’s pretty poor, not an apple fan but if they manage to give updates to devices 4-5 years old then surely google can do better.
I get that most people upgrade anyway after 2 years, but you’d like to think it’s your choice to upgrade, not forced upon you because of update withholding!
The upgrade isn’t forced, just stick with the older OS it still works fine. My Nexus 5 still gets security patches. If you care about having the latest OS you probably care about having a phone that’s no older than 2 years too.