14 DAY TRIAL // We've heard rumors about the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update coming to the Nexus 6 in early January, and it looks like Google has delivered on previous reports. The update is now being pushed to all Nexus 6 devices all over the world in a staged manner.
If you own the Nexus 6 and have been waiting patiently for Android 7.1.1 Nougat to arrive on your phone, then you should start checking for the update. Keep in mind, though, that it will take a couple of days for the update to propagate to all Nexus 6 units.
However, if you don't want to wait any longer, you can download the factory image and flash it on your smartphone. It's also worth mentioning that Google released the OTA files as well, so you have many options at your disposal to upgrade your Nexus 6 to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Android 7.1.1 Nougat might not be the last update the Nexus 6 receives this year, but we doubt the smartphone will get another major OS update since it's older than two years.
Google does not update Nexus and Pixel devices older than 18 months to new versions of Android unless there's a good reason for that. The Nexus 6 might have been an exception, as the phone was launched back in November 2016.
Other Nexus devices still supported by Google have already received Android 7.1.1 Nougat updates, including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and the Pixel C tablet.
However, Google has found a last-minute bug and couldn't provide the same update to Nexus 6 phones at the time Android 7.1.1 Nougat was rolled out to other Nexus and Pixel devices.
Android 7.1.1 Nougat brings a couple of new features that were exclusive to Pixel smartphones, like fingerprint gestures. The update also adds a couple more emoji and GIF support, which will allow users to send this type of images directly from the keyboard.
App shortcuts is another new feature included in Android 7.1.1 Nougat, so you will now be able to launch actions on your most often used apps, including Twitter and Google Maps, by simply long pressing the app icon.