Google Android officially takes another forward leap as it announces the beta testing period for Android 7.1.2. However, it leaves old friends behind as Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices will not receive the upcoming update.
Google recently released Android 7.1.1 on January 30, however, it announced that Android 7.1.2 is already rolling out. In fact, it has already sent out an invitation for people to enroll in its Android Beta Program. Android 7.1.2 on Beta program is making additional maintenance release focus on fine-tuning. It consists of several bug fixes and optimizations, along with a small number of modifications for carriers and users. The beta announcement underlined the Pixel, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P as eligible phones.
The American multinational tech company however remarkably excluded older models such as the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 in the list of devices to receive Android 7.1.2. In 2016, Google officially abandoned the Nexus brand and introduced two new phones with the Pixel name. Once flagship devices, Nexus used to embody Google's Android OS. However, Pixel took over that flagship title and provided a completely new premium smartphone experience.
CNET notes that Google confirmed to them in an email that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will not be supported in the public beta or receive the OTA update for Android 7.1.2. The Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 are both over two years old and they fall outside the window of Google's two-year update guarantee. Google is still keeping its word to Nexus although it is noticeable that it is distancing itself from older phones. It appears that the same will happen for the Nexus 5X and 6P a year from now, indeed suggesting the end of the Nexus period.
The most recent update, Android 7.1.1, will be the last that Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices will receive as an official software update from Google. However, Google will still continue to offer security patches for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9.
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