Do Android Phones Need Updates?

After Android 10 and Android 11, Android phones really don’t need yearly updates. Yearly smartphone operating system updates are one of those arbitrary things we’ve come to expect from Google (which makes Android) and Apple, but they don’t really make sense.

What happens if you don’t update your Android?

Here’s why: When a new operating system comes out, mobile apps have to instantly adapt to new technical standards. If you don’t upgrade, eventually, your phone won’t be able to accommodate the new versions–which means you’ll be the dummy who can’t access the cool new emojis everyone else is using.

How long do Android phones get updates?

If you bought your device from the Google Store, updates will typically reach your device within 2 weeks. If you bought your device elsewhere, updates can take longer. Nexus devices get Android version updates for at least 2 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store.