14 DAY TRIAL // This could really be the end of Microsoft’s mobile platform for the consumer market, as the company has just announced another controversial decision that’s leaving behind many of its Windows phones.
The software giant won’t be releasing the Windows 10 Creators Update for all phones running the Anniversary Update, but instead it will make it exclusive to a bunch of models.
Specifically, devices like the Lumia 930 and the 1520, which are both flagships from the previous generation of Windows phones, won’t be getting the Creators Update, even though they do seem to have the hardware to run it. And living proof is the fact that existing preview builds of Redstone 2 are running just fine, only that Microsoft says that experience could be impacted after upgrading to the latest build.
The Lumia 830 isn’t getting the Creators Update either, and only six different Lumia models will be supported by the new operating system version.
Phones getting the update
This is the complete list of Windows phones getting the Creators Update, according to ZDNet (this list is not yet confirmed by Microsoft, but more information should be provided in the coming weeks, as the update is scheduled to begin rolling out to phones on April 25):
| Alcatel IDOL 4S |
| Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL |
| HP Elite x3 |
| Lenovo Softbank 503LV |
| MCJ Madosma Q601 |
| Microsoft Lumia 550 |
| Microsoft Lumia 640/640XL |
| Microsoft Lumia 650 |
| Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL |
| Trinity NuAns Neo |
| VAIO VPB051 |
“Beginning this month, Microsoft will release the Creators Update for Windows 10 customers including those using Windows 10 Mobile. As has been the case with previous Windows updates, a device may not be able to receive the Creators Update if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer's ('OEM') support period. These devices will continue to receive security and servicing fixes according to our OS support policy. The full list of supported devices will be posted on the Product Lifecycle page soon,” the company said.
This is the second time when Microsoft leaves behind part of its Windows phone lineup, as the release of the Windows 10 Mobile was another controversial moment when the company decided to update only some 50 percent of its devices.
It’s not yet clear what would happen with devices running preview builds of the Creators Update, but Microsoft should detail all its plans in a post very soon.