Android 5.1 release date could be February 2015

Jane McCallion Read more December 22, 2014

Specs for the next version of Android have allegedly leaked online, along with a potential release date.

Android 5.1 release date could be February 2015

The news of the update, apparently named Android 5.1, comes from AndroidPit, which cites two unnamed sources who have outlined 12 new features coming to Google’s mobile OS.

The changes, listed below, consist exclusively of bug fixes, with no details of any additional features that may come with the update, making it clear this is an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop, rather than a total refresh of the OS.

Android 5.1 update features list:

Silent mode added after missing on Android 5.0
General improvements in system stability
Improved RAM management
Fixes for sudden app closures
Improved battery management
Excessive consumption of network devices when used Wi-Fi fixed
Issues with wireless connections fixed
Problems with Okay Google function solved
Notifications problems solved
Some sound problems experience by certain devices fixed
Other improvements and changes
Changes in the Material Design color palette (after users complaints, possibly for a higher version though)

According to AndroidPit’s sources, Android 5.1 will be released in February 2015.

A Q1 2015 release date may seem a little early, since version 5.0 was only released in November, but looking back at the previous versions of Android, it’s not particularly unusual.

The first update to Android 4.4 KitKat came just a month after it was first released, with a further update released just four days after that, although it was six months until 4.4.3 appeared. Similarly, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean received its first update just nine weeks after it was first released.

It also follows news that uptake of Android 5.0 has been rather slow. In the month following its release, less than 0.1% of users had received the update according to Google’s own figures.

PC Pro has been unable to verify AndroidPit’s claims, but if the February Android 5.1 update does happen, the enhanced stability could persuade more users to move over to the new OS.

We’ll keep you updated with any additional news as it comes in.