Google has silently posted some crucial information regarding its Nexus range of devices, on its support portal. The web page in question now lists the “End of Life” support dates for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, and the Nexus 6P.
Basically what this means, is that the devices will no longer receive Android OTA updates, beyond the listed time period. It is common knowledge that Android devices, more specifically Nexus devices, only have a support life of 18 months, during which they receive all security updates and Android version upgrades from Google.
So it is not remotely surprising that Google has published the list of dates regarding the same. But the surprise is the fact it has done so openly, instead of leaving users to guess. You can find the official webpage here, (courtesy AndroidPolice)
Google Nexus End of Life support dates for Android updates:
- Nexus 5X: September 2017
- Nexus 6P:Â September 2017
- Nexus 6:Â October 2016
- Nexus 9:Â October 2016
- Nexus 5:Â October 2015
- Nexus 7 (2013):Â July 2015
- Nexus 10:Â November 2014
The latter three have already reached the end of support period, last year. So it appears that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, both devices from 2014, will be getting their last official updates in October 2016. It is likely that Android N will be the final updates for the two devices which debuted with Android Lollipop.
The 2015 devices, the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P will get updates until September 2017, perhaps with Android O being the final one.
So, it is all but official that Android N will be released in October 2016, but we already knew that didn’t we?