The new Android 7.0, Nougat, will not be available for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7 2013 model as of now.
Devices to Receive Update
The new software update is only available for the Nexus 6, the Nexus 9, the 5X, the 6P and the Pixel C tab along with the Player and General Mobile 4G, which is an Android One device included in Google’s beta program. However, all other devices will continue on Marshmallow version. This means that the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 5X will no longer be running on the same version, the 5 will continue with Marshmallow, whereas the 5X will be updated to Android Nougat.
Fate of Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013)
Both these devices did not get the support of the developer beta Android N builds being released by Google in the past few months. The two devices have moved beyond the point where new updates from Android are guaranteed for them. However, this is only a beta list of supported devices and it does not always indicate the finalized support list. Even earlier, the company has offered updates outside the 18-month window.
Monthly Updates
Normally, Google offers monthly security updates for three years from the time of the device release or for eighteen months after the general availability of the device comes to an end, whichever is more. According to this pattern, the both the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7, 2013, are covered till October 2016, but after that they will both be left behind.
Options for Nexus 5 Users
However, if Nexus 5 users want to remain updated, they still have a few options. They can opt for the 5X, which is regularly available on sale. There is also a Nexus phone being made by HTC coming with 5 inches screen. However, the Nexus 7 device users cannot opt for an easy upgrade, as the Nexus 9 and the Pixel C are both more expensive options and also larger devices. There is no rumor of any smaller size Nexus tablet on the news front.
The Silver Lining
However, the users of the old Nexus phones will still have a more updated version of the operating system when compared to other devices in the Android world. The bootloaders of the older devices are also easily unlocked and it is widely used by developers, so the devices are very popular in the ROM community of developers. Nougat builds will be available around you and bold users can install them. However, it seems to be a pity that the support system of these devices that were consistently updated is shorter when compared to the iOS devices. The hardware of these phones should have had the capacity of supporting the new Android N.
Saying Goodbye – RIP
The Nexus 5 is a phone that many users love and it is a pity that it will never get the Android 7.0 that is sanctioned by Google. It was a well -received device when released in the later part of 2013 and consumers as well as reviewers praised the unique design, the superior performance and the attractive price tag.