Google has announced that, starting from 5 October, it will start rolling out Android 6 Marshmallow to its Nexus devices. While the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P will launch with Marshmallow stuffed inside, Google is updating the Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013 model), 9 and Nexus Player to support its new mobile OS. Yes, that means if you’re using a Nexus 4, the 2012 model Nexus 7 or the Nexus 10, you won’t be eligible for the new version of Android.
Traditionally, Google rolls out new Android builds through over-the-air updates on a region-by-region basis to ensure it’s a smooth process. This makes it difficult to predict when you’ll see Marshmallow arrive on your phone, but those using Nexus devices should be fully upgraded by the end of October.
What if you’re not using a Nexus device?
When can you expect to be using Marshmallow if you don’t have a Nexus device? So far no manufacturer has confirmed when they’ll be rolling out new versions of their custom Android builds, but by looking at previous releases we can get a good idea about how serious each manufacturer is about upgrading handsets in a timely fashion.
Based on the history books, here’s when we expect phones from the likes of Samsung, Sony, HTC and LG to start rolling out Android Marshmallow.
Android Marshmallow update for Samsung
Samsung was relatively speedy with its rollout of Android Lollipop, so expect Marshmallow to be the same.
It’s unclear which phones will receive the upgrade, but you can definitely expect the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, along with the Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ to be given the Marshmallow treatment. On the tablet side, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S2 is also expected to receive an update too.
It’s less likely we’ll see anything earlier than the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 updated, due to the old hardware running underneath these ailing flagships.
We expect you’ll start to see Android Marshmallow on Samsung devices by the end of the year.
Date expected: October/November
Android Marshmallow update for Sony
Sony has a habit of rolling out updates for its Android devices rather slowly. Lollipop didn’t arrive on its Xperia range of devices until the first half of 2015, leaving many users wondering if they’d get it at all. With Marshmallow, we can only hope that Sony rolls out its update faster.
As Sony’s new flagships, the Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium all launched with Lollipop, they’re certain to upgrade to Marshmallow. As Sony doesn’t tend to leave older flagship devices behind, it’s likely every Sony phone running Lollipop will upgrade to Marshmallow.
Date expected: Q1 2016
Android Marshmallow update for LG
LG was an early adopter for the Lollipop, so it’s likely we’ll see it bringing Marshmallow to the LG G4 almost as soon as it receives the manufacturer build of Google’s mobile OS.
It’s worth remembering that LG decided not to update the LG G3 to Lollipop 5.1, meaning it may also miss out on Marshmallow too.
Date expected: October/November
Android Marshmallow update for HTC
We already know that HTC will be updating its One M9 and M9+ phones to Android Marshmallow at some point thanks to a tweet from Jeff Gordon, HTC’s senior global online communications manager.
It’s unclear if HTC will bother to update its older flagships to Marshmallow, although, with the M8 being so similar to the M9, it’s likely they will both receive the new OS. HTC’s mid-range and budget phones should also see an update if they’re already running on Lollipop.
Date expected: By the end of the year
Android Marshmallow update for Motorola
As Lenovo’s Motorola phones basically run stock Android with a few welcome modifications, it’s likely we’ll see the new Moto X Play and Style, along with the Moto G and newest Moto E all upgrade to Marshmallow soon after launch.
It’s less clear what will happen to older Motorola Android handsets, but it’s likely they’ll also upgrade to Marshmallow too.
Date expected: October
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