We asked, you told us: Most want Android updates within weeks of its release

With the release of Project Treble, Google began laying out the groundwork for faster firmware updates. While some smartphone OEMs like Essential use the tools to roll out security patches and major Android upgrades within hours of them pushed out Pixels, others take weeks or even months.

So we decided to ask you, how long do you mind waiting for OEMs to finish preparing and roll out Android software updates to your phone? Here’s what you had to say.

How long are you willing to wait for major software updates?

Results

Unsurprisingly, a majority of the roughly 1,800 people who voted in this week’s poll expect major Android software updates within weeks of its release. Although the second highest percentage voted for immediate updates, a slightly smaller amount of people actually claim to be okay waiting months for major upgrades.

Reading through the comments, it appears that most worry more about receiving Google’s monthly security patches. As Android itself doesn’t change much between major firmware changes, having the latest bug and vulnerability fixes is most important to them.

Noteworthy comments

Here are some of the best comments from last week’s poll explaining why they voted the way that they did:

• I’d rather get an update that’s right than an update that’s fast. It not like I’m wringing my hands, and I’m certainly glad I’m not one of the Pixel owners who are losing 8% battery per hour on standby with the beta.
• Major OS updates? Months. Those things take time to fully bake it. Security updates on the other hand? Monthly.
• As long as I get monthly security updates, I’m fine. OEMs have usually implemented the new Android OS features a long time ago so it depends for me
• “Major” updates don’t mean what they used to, so I’m okay with none at all.
• I don’t buy a smartphone for software updates. If I get one or two updates, that’s fine, if I don’t get any I’m good too. What’s important for me in a smartphone are good build quality, well calibrated and bright screen, decent camera, good performance, excellent battery life and reasonable price (not more than 500 USD).
• I’m probably in the minority, but I am far less concerned with major (ie. feature) releases than I am of regular security updates. While I’m fine with OEMs taking some time (few to several months) to get major releases out, I expect to receive security updates in a timely fashion (within a few weeks, no more than a month).

That’s it for this week, everyone. As always, thanks for voting, thanks for the comments, and don’t forget to let us know what you thought of the results below!