It is no longer a developer preview version, but a public version. This is none other than Android Nougat, the 7th edition of the most popular mobile operating system in the world. But the question is, will your current device receive this software that Google describes as its sweetest OS yet?
At the time of this writing, Android Nougat update is already available for Nexus devices, including Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6 as well as the Nexus 9 tablet, Google Pixel C, and the Nexus Player. Sony has also made its intentions clear by detailing the devices that should expect to see the latest version and so has HTC. However, the likes of Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo and other Android OEMs have remained coy on the matter, but we have some info for you.
Samsung Galaxy devices
Given the new status of Android Nougat, OEMs are still reluctant when it comes to letting go of the dates they expect to start updating their handsets. But looking at past events, Samsung has always made major software updates available to devices that are two years and below. With this in mind, it is safe to argue that the likes of Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Note 5, as well as Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6 variants are guaranteed to receive the Nougat update. The Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 as well as Galaxy Note 4 are a huge doubt, although the devices are still very popular. In fact, the Galaxy S4 has not even been updated to Marshmallow, which makes it even harder for Nougat to come on board.
Just like the Galaxy S4 fell behind with the release of Android Marshmallow, it could be the Galaxy S5’s turn this time, but time will tell.
Sony
Sony is actually the first smartphone OEM to go public with an official list of devices that will be updated to Android Nougat. Through a company blog, the Japanese tech giant has promised those using the latest Xperia X lineup, ranging from Xperia XA to Xperia X Performance. The update will also hit last year’s Xperia Z5 series as well as the Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z3+ and the Xperia Z3, which has been part of the beta program for quite some time now.
Even though no specific dates were mentioned, the company doesn’t have a clean track when it comes to rolling out software updates. As a result, it could take up to early 2017 before a huge chunk of these Sony devices starts receiving the update. However, with Xperia X Performance having joined the Xperia Beta Program, it is possible that this handset could see the update before the end of this year.
HTC
HTC confirmed that Android Nougat will be coming to the likes of HTC 10, HTC One A9 and the controversial HTC One M9. However, there is no specific date as to when this is supposed to happen. Still, the company promised that a list of more devices to be updated will show up later, but don’t get your hopes too high just in case you still rock the 2014 HTC One M8 or even the older One M7.
LG
LG will be the first company to roll out a device based on Android Nougat out of the box. This will be the LG V20, a phone that is to be launched on September 6. According to recent stats, LG trailed only Motorola when it comes to rolling out fast software updates. The LG G4 started seeing the Marshmallow update back in October 2015, but this year will be even better as the V20 could start selling towards the end of the week of September 19. The LG G5 has also joined up the Android Beta Program in some parts, another indicator that the company is on track to beating its 2015 record.
Motorola/Lenovo
Motorola has been listed as the fastest to roll out Android Marshmallow, something that is attributed to the near-stock nature of Moto devices. Although Lenovo is now in control of things, it shouldn’t be a problem when it comes to timely rollouts to the likes of Moto Z and Moto G4 handsets.
Huawei
Huawei is very poor when it comes to delivering on its promises. The story is the same when it comes to delivering updates. Of course, the likes of Huawei P9 and Huawei Honor 8 are guaranteed to receive Android Marshmallow, however, don’t expect this to happen this year.