Google extends Nexus 5X and 6P security patch updates (for reasons unknown)

Android updates are usually a source of much frustration but today I bring you good news: Google has extended the security patch updates for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P to November 2018, two months beyond the previously cited last guaranteed update.

The changes were spotted on Google’s Nexus device support page by Droid Life, though Google hasn’t announced the reason for the extension (not that we’re complaining). It’s not like Google would have increased the number of updates to make the 5X and 6P more appealing to potential customers — they haven’t been sold in the Google Store since 2016. A Google spokesperson told Android Police that they had nothing to add beyond what could be seen on the update page.

Google’s current policy is to offer three years of security patches to the devices in its lineup from the moment they’re available in the Google Store (or 18 months after they were last sold, whichever is longer). Beyond that, updates aren’t guaranteed, though it’s possible that specific patches might come through for larger scale threats or attacks.

The lifespans of other Nexus devices remain unchanged, but hey, who knows, maybe we’ll see others extended if Google is currently feeling generous.