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The Nexus 5 is dead

Published Aug 23rd, 2016 6:50AM EDT
Nexus 5 Android 7.0 Nougat Update

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One of the great Nexus phones Google launched so far, the Nexus 5 is finally dead. There’s nothing wrong with your unit, and it won’t suddenly expire. It’s just that Google’s latest major Android release does not support the old hardware.

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Google on Monday released Android 7.0 Nougat, exactly as rumored a few days ago, but the new mobile operating system isn’t compatible with older devices. Of course, we already knew that from Google’s previous announcements and the fact the Nexus 5 was not included in the Android 7.0 beta.

So if you were expecting a miracle, then you’ll be disappointed. The Nexus 5 is too old to receive Android update, even if there are plenty of users who still have one. Sure, the Nexus 5 probably has what it takes to run Nougat, and you might even be able to install a custom Android version based on Android 7.0 at some point in the future. But, officially, Google will not provide support for it.

That means the oldest Nexus phone that will still receive software updates (mind you, we’re not talking about security updates) is the Nexus 6 phablet.

If you’re looking to learn more details about Nougat or grab the necessary download files for newer hardware, follow the links in the source section. As for flashing a Nougat-based custom ROM on that amazing Nexus 5 of yours, well, you’ll have to wait, or figure out a way of doing it yourself.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.