Google’s Android 9 Pie operating system has its name and is already being rolled out for Google’s own Pixel phones. However, such is the state of Android fragmentation, some of the platform’s ‘have nots’ are still waiting for 2017’s Android Oreo hit their devices.
Thankfully, after revealing the Galaxy Note 9 running Android 8.1 yesterday, Samsung has announced another 12 of its legacy devices will receive the Oreo update by March 2019.
The devices include members of J, A, C and On series handsets, which launched between 2016 and 2018, as well as the 2017 Galaxy Tab A. Oreo updates will commence in December and run through to March next year.
The published schedule is as follows (via PhoneArena):
Galaxy J7 Neo – December 2018
Galaxy A9 Pro 2016 – January 2019
Galaxy C7 Pro – January 2019
Galaxy C9 Pro – January 2019
Galaxy J2 2018 – January 2019
Galaxy J7 2018 – January 2019
Galaxy J7 2017 – January 2019
Galaxy On5 2017 – January 2019
Galaxy On7 2016 – January 2019
Galaxy Tab A 2017 – January 2019
Galaxy J7 Max – February 2019
Galaxy J7 2016 – March 2019
Naturally, Samsung’s flagship phones get priority when it comes to the Android updates, but it’s good to see the company extend the commitment to some other handsets a little farther down the trough.
Related: Note 9 pre-order deals
The update for the 2016 A9 Pro, J7 and On7 phones are somewhat unexpected, given their age. However, for the rest, they’ll likely have to wait around 18 months for a slice of Pie, which is unlikely to even arrive on the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 before the end of 2018.
Those first in-line for Android Pie are the third-party handsets that participated in Google’s own beta testing program. They include the Sony Xperia XZ2, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Nokia 7 Plus, Oppo R15 Pro, Vivo X21, OnePlus 6 and Essential PH‑1.
Handsets running Android One are also on deck for the update, while Google’s forthcoming Pixel 3 phones will undoubtedly ship with Android Pie on board.
Which Android manufacturers are the best at keeping their customers happy with the latest versions of Android? Cast your vote @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
