Android M is expected to be unveiled later this week at Google I/O, and it will bring several new features to Google’s mobile platform according to various reports, including a brand new device update guarantee for Nexus devices.
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Nexus smartphones and tablets are always the first ones to receive new Android updates, although not all Nexus devices get the upgraded software at the same time. Not to mention older Nexus units which might still be able to run a new Android version could be left behind as years pass by.
However, beginning with Android M, Google will make things much clearer so that Nexus device buyers know what they can expect in terms of support for newer Android versions.
It’s not all good news for existing Nexus handset and tablet owners though, Android Police has learned from a source, because not all current Nexus devices will make the cut for Android M.
The blog says that Google plans to guarantee major system updates for Nexus devices for two years, and security patches for three years from an Android version’s release date. Alternatively, security patches will be guaranteed for at least 18 months after a purchase in the Google Play Store (whichever timeframe is longer will be applicable).
That means a bunch of existing Nexus devices will not get the Android M update, including the Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 (2012). But the older tablets will still receive security patches, at least until this summer for the Nexus 7 and until early 2016 for the Nexus 10.
The Nexus 7 (2013) should receive system updates until later this summer, and security updates will be pushed to the device through summer 2016. The Nexus 5, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 should all get Android M when it launches this fall, but the former will only be entitled to security patches after that, while the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will be supported for one more major Android release (Android N).
Google is expected to announce its new Nexus software update guarantee at Google I/O later this week.
