Android M Release Date: 5 Things You Need to Know Right Now

Today at Google I/O 2015, Google has approved a brand new operating system called Android M. Android M will replace Android Lollipop on Nexus devices and other smartphones and tablets and will do so later this year. With Android M details rolling in, we take a look at what you need to know about the Nexus Android M release date and the release date of other models.

In 2014, Google used the stage of Google I/O 2014 to announce Android L, which replaced the Android 4.4 KitKat update. There, the company detailed key Android L features and an Android L Developer Preview that will allow select Nexus users to test out the incomplete software before a public release.

In November, Google pulled Android L out of beta and rolled out Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android devices around the world. Android Lollipop is no longer than the most recent version of Android. That honor belongs to a new Android M update that Google announced on stage at Google I/O.

History repeated itself today as Google used the big stage once again to announce a brand new Android update. Android M rumors were circulating in preparation for the company’s developer conference, and today the company has fixed those rumors. Android M will replace Android Lollipop and come with a host of new features and improvements, including changes to permissions and battery life improvements.

The specific Android M release date has yet to be confirmed, but we’re starting to see Android M release details emerge as the smoke of the keynote begins to subside. Here with an Android M update, we want to take a look at what we know about the Android M release date for Nexus devices and other Android phones.

Nexus Android M Release Confirmed

Android M was the focus of Google’s I/O 2015 keynote. Since that’s the focus, we’ve seen the company reveal tons of details about the Android M release. Most of these details were related to the features of the Android M update, but we saw a very important release detail emerge.

It wasn’t clear on an Android M release date, though the company has confirmed a fairly specific window for the Android M release. Google says it will release Android M to the public in the third quarter. Q3 runs from July to September, which means Android M will likely arrive before November. November usually serves as Google’s big Nexus/Android update release month.

What this means is that after the update has spent some time in beta, Google will likely make another Android M announcement for this year. This announcement should include specific release date details and more details about its features, fixes, and improvements.

Android M Release Date Rumors

Android M release date rumors were more specific, though a specific month and day was missing in the action.

an incoming report Android Police claims That Google is shooting for a really early Android M release date. Its reports suggest that the Android M version could arrive in August.

The publication also states that software release dates are subject to change at any time. So while we may see Google rolling out its next update in August, it’s also possible that we’ll see it arrive later in the year.

Android M Release Rumors

Thanks to the Android M beta, we know the software will be coming to the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Google’s Nexus Player. Android M version details for Google’s other devices remain unclear.

According to another report Android PoliceGoogle will not be releasing Android M for the Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 10 or Nexus 4.

While the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 probably won’t get Android M, the site claims they will still get security updates. The Nexus 4 will reportedly receive updates by August, while the Nexus 10 will reportedly receive updates in 2016. It’s clear that support for the Nexus 7 2012 will end this summer.

The Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 7 LTE, which are not part of the developer preview, are expected to receive Android M later this year:

As for newer devices, the 2013 N7 should have system updates by late this summer and security patches by summer 2016. The Nexus 5 will be on the full OTA train until this fall, after which it should drop in security patches for another year. The N6 and N9 are of course still on sale, so we don’t know for sure when the security updates will stop, but they will have system OTAs at least until fall 2016.

In other words, Android M could be the last major update for the 2013 Nexus 7.

Android M Beta Details

Nexus users looking to get an early start with Android M can do so right now. The Android M Developer Preview is now available, giving Nexus users access to an early beta of the software. The preview is available to Nexus 9, Nexus 5, and Nexus 6 owners.

Other Devices with Android M

Finally, it’s worth noting that not only Nexus users will get Android M. While we haven’t seen a ton of confirmations yet, HTC has quickly confirmed Android M updates for its two devices, the HTC One M9 and HTC One M9. HTC One M9+. We think that other companies are not far behind.

Good news! HTC One M9 and M9+ will be updated to Android M and more devices will be announced soon.

— Jeff Gordon (@urbanstrata) May 28, 2015

However, companies like Samsung still plan to release Android 5.1 Lollipop updates before Android M, so even if Google rolls out Android M to the public, we should see Lollipop updates continue.