Why Android Phones Do Not Get Regular Updates

Have you ever wondered why your Android phone fails to receive timely updates? Whether it's a lack of support from the manufacturer or the complexities involved in releasing updates, there are several factors playing a role. In this article, we'll explore why some Android phones do not receive regular updates and what you can do to ensure your device stays secure and up-to-date.

Tackling the Lack of Manufacturer Updates

If your phone manufacturer has stopped sending updates, there are ways to address this situation. One approach is to visit the official website of the manufacturer and search for the update section. Alternatively, you can explore third-party websites that provide up-to-date information on device updates. However, it's important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the software sources to avoid any potential security issues or bugs.

Signing up for official product registrations and maintaining a direct line of communication with the manufacturer can also help. This ensures that you are notified of any updates and can take appropriate action.

Why Some Phones Lag Behind in Updates

Google devices, like the Pixel XL, typically receive regular updates. However, for other manufacturers, the journey to receiving updates can be significantly slower due to several reasons.

For instance, Samsung often trails other manufacturers by at least a year. This can be attributed to the layers of customization and bloatware added by both the manufacturers and carriers (like ATT, Verizon, and T-Mobile). Samsung's updates must navigate through multiple layers of software, including their custom UI and additional services provided by carriers. This makes the update process not only time-consuming but also complex.

Consider the case of my wife's device, which received Android Oreo in September 2018, a whole year after the release of Android Pie 9.0 in May 2018. Even a Samsung tablet I own is four years behind, starting as two years behind and never receiving an update.

The Impact of Manufacturer's Decisions

Phone companies like LG, Samsung, and others spend a significant amount of resources customizing the Android system. This skin, as it's often referred to, often includes proprietary services and additional layers of software that can slow down the update process. Furthermore, mobile carriers like ATT, Verizon, and T-Mobile add their own layers of bloatware, which can further delay the core Android update.

As a result, these additional layers and services must be updated and narrowed down for each update, making it a long and arduous process. By the time all these layers are updated, the phone may no longer be economically viable for the manufacturer to continue supporting.

It's a cycle driven by the manufacturer's desire to protect their investment and maintain their own ecosystem. Once the phone reaches a certain age, the cost of ongoing support outweighs the benefits, leading to discontinuation of updates.

Conclusion

The lack of regular updates on Android phones can be attributed to a combination of manufacturer's decisions, complex update processes, and the layers of additional services and customizations added by manufacturers and carriers. While it's possible to manually install updates from unofficial sources, it's crucial to choose these sources carefully to avoid security risks. As a consumer, choosing devices from manufacturers with a track record of frequent and timely updates can help ensure you receive the latest features and security enhancements.