14 DAY TRIAL // Google is expected to announce its new Android operating system in less than a week. Android M is likely to be unveiled at Google I/O along with new information about update policy for Nexus devices.
It looks like Android fans who own Nexus devices will finally know from the start whether or not they will receive the upcoming Android M upgrade.
However, the folks over at AndroidPolice report that it's not yet clear if Google will announce its new Android update policy for Nexus devices at Google I/O, or later this year.
We do know for sure that the search giant plans to announce a new update guarantee for Nexus smartphones and tablets with Android M.
Keep in mind that the update policy will only refer to Nexus device, so all other smartphones and tablets will still be dependent on handset manufacturer.
Major Android updates for a longer time, security patches for even longer
Apparently Google will confirm that major software update will be available for Nexus devices for two year, while security patches will be rolled out to these devices for three years from the OS release.
Alternatively, these security patches will be guaranteed for at least 18 months from the date of purchase in the Google Store / Play store.
The new Android update policy will apply to older, current and upcoming Nexus devices, which means that some of them won't receive the upcoming Android M upgrade.
For example, Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 won't get Android M, but they might still receive security updates for a few more months. Unfortunately, Nexus 7 (2012) does not qualify for neither.
Nexus 7 (2013) might is eligible for system updates until later this summer and security patches until summer 2016, while Nexus 5 should get major updates late fall and security patches for one more year after that.
The newest Nexus devices, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will definitely be upgraded to Android M this year and will continue to receive major updates and security patches throughout the next year.
These new guidelines for Android updates for Nexus devices are expected to go official next week, but there's a chance that Google might keep the announcement for Android M's release.