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Android 6.0 Marshmallow Displays the Date of the Last Security Patch Update

Google’s way of ensuring you get timely security patches

Oct 1, 2015 07:57 GMT  ·  By
Android 6.0 Marshmallow displays "Android security patch level"
   Android 6.0 Marshmallow displays "Android security patch level"

You probably remember that, after the whole Stagefright scandal, Google committed to delivering security updates on Android on a monthly basis. And now a small change that has been spotted in Android Marshmallow indicates that Google plans to stick to the plan and even provide something extra, maybe.

Playing with the brand new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, the folks at Android Police have noticed an interesting aspect. In the “About” section on both models, a new field has appeared. It’s called “Android security patch level” and displays the date of the phone’s most recent security patch. In this case, October 1 is listed. We expect that the date will be updated to November next month.

Google plans to roll out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for its supported Nexus devices (Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player) starting October 5, so we’re bound to see the new reference appear on these models as well.

Google wants to deliver updates faster

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if manufacturers and carriers will go along with Google’s plan. As you probably know, timely updates is one of the most acrid issues in the Android ecosystem, and historically, we have seen many devices lagging behind.

We can bring you an example from today. Even as Android 6.0 Marshmallow is bound to be rolling out to Nexus devices in a few days, the Huawei Honor 6 Plus is barely receiving the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update.

There’s another caveat to Google showing you the date when the last security patch arrives on your device: users won’t be able to do anything if they notice their device hasn’t been updated in a while.

While Apple can push updates for its iPhones whenever it feels like it, Google has to rely on its vast network of manufacturers and carriers to make sure Android-touting devices get bumped up to the latest software version.

It seems like Google doesn’t want to be the bad guy here, forcing manufactures to push security updates in a timely manner. At the same time, Google is taking a stand by highlighting those who lag behind, hoping that device makers get the hint. Will this tactic work? We’ll just have to wait and see.