14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already made available for download Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview to all those who wish to get a taste of the new platform. This build was released in mid-April to all developers, as well as fans who want to test it and offer their feedback.
While Microsoft did not offer an exact release date for the final version of Windows Phone 8.1, it did mention that it will be pushed to all compatible devices this summer.
It looks like Microsoft's support page related to Windows Phone has recently been updated with the period during which the latest version of the platform will receive upgrades.
According to this page, Windows Phone 8.1 will have a 36-month life cycle, just like its predecessor, Windows Phone 8.
The good news is that this should start on June 24 and while this doesn't necessarily mean that Microsoft will release the final version of Windows Phone 8.1, it still is an indication that the current iteration will get an update.
Here is Microsoft's statement regarding the timeframe it will offer mainstream support for Windows Phone 8.1, “Microsoft will make updates available for the Operating System, including security updates, for a minimum of 36 months after the lifecycle start date. These updates will be incremental, with each update built on the update that preceded it.
Customers need to install each update in order to remain supported. The distribution of these incremental updates may be controlled by the mobile operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone, and installation will require that your phone have any prior updates. Update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities.”
It is also worth mentioning that Microsoft is likely to announce some extended support timeframe for those who did not have the time or money to switch to a new device powered by a newer version of Windows Phone.
For the time being, we only know that Windows Phone 8.1 mainstream support should end on July 11, 2017 at the earliest. The good news is that Microsoft mentions that it will offer support for Windows Phone 8.1 for a “minimum of 36 months,” so adopters will probably get more than that.
Regarding the release of the final version of Windows Phone 8.1, we can only hope that Microsoft will make it available as soon as possible. A June 24 date sounds quite all right, especially that some of the first smartphones powered by Windows Phone 8.1 (Lumia 630, 635 and 930) would have already been released.