Google Releases Android 9 Pie as Previous Oreo Release is Installed on Just 12% of Devices

[code-m]

And the android devices not suited are obsolete. (planed obsolescence).

A user does not need the latest hardware to surf the web, social media, send emails, play a few games, listen to music, watch videos, etc. Some MR users perception is to get the latest and greatest every year, most average users do not think this way, their do not share the same interest and enthusiasm as MR members. Price is a big factor for them, not what version of OS is running or the security risk that may affect them, if at all.

Industry pushed 3D TV, some adopted and embraced it, most did not care. In the end the majority won as it did not add value to the consumer and only the industry stood to gain. We are seeing the same thing with phones and mobile OS.

 

[fairuz]

So why would you ever want an Android phone if you can't run up to date software?

I don't think most people care. The apps will still run on the old versions, mostly.

 

[DNichter]

Supporting link:
Samsung admits disappointing sales of Galaxy S9, warns tough times will continue

Worse than I thought.

 

[code-m]

Totally, there are vulnerabilities that can be exploited through no fault of the device owner. Windows's SMP server had an arbitrary code execution bug that was patched a bit too late. Someone malicious joins your LAN, and you're pwned.

Similarly to the notion of being “safe” you can only be safe and protect yourself. Then one day you walk down the street and the worse happens, its the lottery of life.

 

[fairuz]

Yeah except my mothers phone running Android 5 can still run pretty much any App on Google Play. Can iOS 5 run 90% of the App Store?

It actually might be able to. I've been presented with something like this before when using an old iOS:

 

[Candlelight]

I miss iOS 9. Best operating system Apple ever produced.

 

[code-m]

Worse than I thought.

Smart phone saturation or peak demand is near if not already here.

 

[fairuz]

If that is true, then why release a new letter update? Your assertions kind of fall apart don't they?

It's like this in Ubuntu and many other Linux OSs. There are letter versions of the OS, but they mostly just correspond to which things are installed by default, and a few things truly are OS-specific. You can even update your kernel on an old OS. Dunno how Android is cause I don't use it.

 

[TroyBoy30]

Been using the beta since day 1. Lovin it

 

[jedwards87]

Love all the Android people making excuses for Android being so fragmented....lol. If this were reversed they would be yelling at the top of their lungs at how out of date iOS is. These numbers are horrible and you guys know it. These older versions are not updated with security and malware protection. Keep you head buried in the sand if it makes you feel better for using an outdated version of a FREE os.

 

[fairuz]

Citation Needed.

This definitely happens on Android and not on iOS. Here's one example: https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/...seless-appflash-search-tool-upcoming-rollout/

 

[Tiger8]

Apple shoves updates down user throats, no way to prevent it from downloading.

Many users would rather have an older version of the operating system on an older phone.

 

[oneMadRssn]

Well my S7 is on it's third full OS update since I purchased it, so about the same as my iPhone 7. It's all very good getting updates for around 4 years with the iPhone (or any other phone for that matter) but the weak spot in this scenario is the battery. The batteries in both my S7 and my iPhone 7 are now showing signs of tiredness, yet it's not economic to replace them in either model.

Yea, I'm with you there. That is the biggest hurdle to holding on to a phone long term.

For what it's worth, at least with iPhone, getting service is pretty easy. A battery replacement at an Apple Store costs $79, which is actually a pretty reasonable price. If you able to find an OEM battery, which can be difficult itself, it usually costs at least $50 anyway. So $79 is worth it for a new OEM battery and having someone doing the replacement that (1) knows what they're doing and (2) can immediately replace your phone if they mess up. Needless to say, I don't consider third-party knockoff batteries of unknown origin to be a viable option as it's too dangerous.

I'm not sure your numbers about updates are correct. The Samsung Galaxy S7 originally launched with Android 6. Today it (officially) supports Android 8, so that's only two updates (v7, then v8). Also, it hasn't been discontinued yet - and that is the real test of OS support longevity. I doubt Samsung will continue offering OS updates long after they stop selling it as new. I am 100% positive the iPhone 7 will continue to receive iOS update for years after Samsung forgets the S7 ever existed.

Look at Apple's history. They stopped selling the iPhone 5 in 2015, but it continued to receive new versions of iOS until 2017. They stopped selling the iPhone 5S in 2016, but it will still get an update to iOS12 this year. When has Samsung or any Android OEM ever offered that kind of support? Never.

 

[code-m]

Love all the Android people making excuses for Android being so fragmented....lol. If this were reversed they would be yelling at the top of their lungs at how out of date iOS is. These numbers are horrible and you guys know it. These older versions are not updated with security and malware protection. Keep you head buried in the sand if it makes you feel better for using an outdated version of a FREE os.

There is only one iOS device manufacturer with one flavour, there are multiple AndroidOS device manufacturers in many countries with many skins, what is your argument? AndroidOS is installed on things other than phones/tablets/watches/TV boxes. While iOS is installed on iPhone/iPad/AW/ATV, am I missing anything. Can you install iOS on a digital picture frame, just saying.

Security and malware can affect even the latest AndroisOS/iOS versions, it is not limited to only older devices. The level of protection has improved however you have a false sense of security.

 

[anon9182s]

Yeah except my mothers phone running Android 5 can still run pretty much any App on Google Play. Can iOS 5 run 90% of the App Store?

This whole dig against Android is pointless unless you're obsessed with always having the latest and greatest. Older versions of Android are still good and completely usable. Probably more usable than older versions of iOS.

iOS 5: October 12, 2011
Android 5: December 19, 2014

iOS 5 doesn't need to run 90% of the App Store because Apple is updating their phones. Android is holding back old phones that should have been updated to get the new features.

 

[code-m]

Look at Apple's history. They stopped selling the iPhone 5 in 2015, but it continued to receive new versions of iOS until 2017. They stopped selling the iPhone 5S in 2016, but it will still get an update to iOS12 this year. When has Samsung or any Android OEM ever offered that kind of support? Never.

Cost of entry for an iPhone is significantly higher compared to most AndroidOS phones, granted there are some high end AndroidOS phones, and those devices should receive routine updates/upgrades when available. It is those device manufacturers responsibility to deliver.

The reason Apple supports iPhone models longer is due to the eco-system, developers, and customer satisfaction as the devices cost more compared to its competitors. However Apple is not always first to admit when it makes a mistake *couch* you are holding it wrong, here is a free bumper to fix that for you, however you are still holding it wrong *cough*

 

[pweicks]

Google's latest Android operating system update, Android 9 Pie, was officially released to customers today following a beta testing period that started earlier this year.

Android Pie introduces a new gesture-based system interface that's similar to the interface of the iPhone X, with iPhone-like swipes for navigating through the operating system. We went hands-on with Android Pie earlier this year when it was in a beta testing phase.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The new update also introduces the Android Dashboard, designed to tell you how much time you're spending on your device, which is similar to Apple's own Screen Time feature. A new Do Not Disturb option called "Shush" silences Android devices when placed facedown, and a Wind Down option lets Android users select a specific bedtime to turn the interface gray to discourage smartphone usage at night.

Android Pie also includes an Adaptive Battery feature that maximizes battery power by prioritizing the apps you're most likely to use next, App Actions for predicting what you'll want to do next (much like Siri Suggestions), and Slices, a feature that brings up information from your favorite apps right in search, is coming in the future.

Like all new versions of Android, Android Pie is available for a limited number of smartphones at its launch because Android-based smartphones use customized versions of the Android operating system, and each smartphone manufacturer needs to make the new software available to its customers.

Android Pie is available to Pixel phones today, with the update set to roll out to recent devices from manufacturers that include Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Essential later this year.

The majority of Android devices are not likely to ever see the Android Pie upgrade given Android smartphone fragmentation. The previous release, Android 8 Oreo, is installed on just 12 percent of Android devices as of July 23, 2018, despite the fact that it was released in August 2017.

Most Android smartphones continue to use Android Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop, updates that came out in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Comparatively, Apple's most recent operating system, iOS 11, was installed on 81 percent of devices as of May 31, 2018. 14 percent of devices use iOS 10, released in 2016, and just five percent of devices use an earlier version of iOS.

Apple is able to control the operating system on all of its devices which allows the company to distribute bug fixes, new features, and more to customers much more quickly.

When iOS 11 was launched, 25 percent of customers had downloaded it after just one week, and iOS 12, with the wealth of features that it brings like Screen Time and Siri Shortcuts, could see even faster adoption when it's released alongside new iPhones this September.

Article Link: Google Releases Android 9 Pie as Previous Oreo Release is Installed on Just 12% of Devices

This is one of the biggest reasons why I choose iOS over Android. Because I know exactly what I’m getting when I buy an iPhone: 5-6 years of guaranteed updates and security patches available to me on the day that they’re released. And idk why people are saying this is an unfair comparison. When google chose to make Android an open OS for multiple manufacturers they also chose to accept this as a consequence. People give Apple crap for being such a closed-in system, being compared to a perfect little “walled-in garden.” Well this is exactly one of the reasons why I choose that stupid little walled-in garden over Android, which I consider to be a chaotic mess. I’m not gonna argue with anyone that one OS is better than the other, but don’t start complaining that these are unfair comparisons just because it blows a punch to Android. If google wanted to make Android exclusive to its own phones just like Apple has done, then I’m sure they wouldn’t have this problem. If Apple wanted to make iOS open to other manufacturers just like google has done, then I’m sure they would have this same problem. Simple as that. Don’t be saying any of this crap about it being an unfair comparison just to defend your preferred OS. This is a hard fact that in my opinion is one of, if not the biggest, faults of Android. People complain about how much iPhones cost compared to the majority of androids... well you’re looking at one of the reasons why iPhones cost so much more, and you can think whatever you want, but in my opinion it’s a great deal!

 

[KPandian1]

The iOS and MacOS updates are so naggy. One of the major reasons I switched to Android/Linux.

You switched platforms just to avoid the nagging?! If only life was so easy!

It really is annoying, but not that difficult to shut it everyday, as cumbersome as having to enter the password 20-times a day.

 

[sinsin07]

A user does not need the latest hardware to surf the web, social media, send emails, play a few games, listen to music, watch videos, etc. Some MR users perception is to get the latest and greatest every year, most average users do not think this way, their do not share the same interest and enthusiasm as MR members. Price is a big factor for them, not what version of OS is running or the security risk that may affect them, if at all.

Industry pushed 3D TV, some adopted and embraced it, most did not care. In the end the majority won as it did not add value to the consumer and only the industry stood to gain. We are seeing the same thing with phones and mobile OS.

The above is irrelevant to the comment you quoted.
None of the above was ever alluded to.
You should of just straight posted your own comment instead of the quoting.
Secondly, who are you to say what a user needs?
Do you have data to back up that claim?
You can try and use 3DTV adoption as a data point to substatiate all the claims you make in the above, but one has nothing to do with the other.
Unless you have something to back up your chatter, it’s just noise.

 

[oneMadRssn]

Cost of entry for an iPhone is significantly higher compared to most AndroidOS phones, granted there are some high end AndroidOS phones, and those devices should receive routine updates/upgrades when available. It is those device manufacturers responsibility to deliver.

The reason Apple supports iPhone models longer is due to the eco-system, developers, and customer satisfaction as the devices cost more compared to its competitors. However Apple is not always first to admit when it makes a mistake *couch* you are holding it wrong, here is a free bumper to fix that for you, however you are still holding it wrong *cough*

I don't really *why* Apple supports it longer. If longer support is good for them, and it's also good for me, then win-win. When my interests and the company's interest align, all the better.

The guy I was replying to was talking about his Galaxy S7 - same cost as an iPhone of the same vintage.

Also the "holding it wrong" thing happened over 8 years go. Get over it. Samsung wasn't even making real smartphones way back then.

 

[krause734]

You switched platforms just to avoid the nagging?! If only life was so easy!

It really is annoying, but not that difficult to shut it everyday, as cumbersome as having to enter the password 20-times a day.

Yes with Linux you never have to update pretty much if you don't want to. No red flags popping up every other day. Android updates are pretty hassle free as well.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

There is also evidence that the latest iOS releases significantly slow down older devices (planned obsolescence).

This does not happen with Android as the latest version is only made available for devices that are suited.

Then don't upgrade. No one forces you to do so.

Planned obsolescence is an absolute joke. It's simply the fact that each new OS version (not just of iOS but Windows, Linux, and every other operating system out there) generally requires more resources. Those put a larger tax on the processor, RAM, etc. That's what slows things down. Not this tinfoil hat no-proof planned obsolescence.

You keep finding issues to hate with iOS while defending the fact that most brand new Android phones will never be eligible to get an OS update. They're obsolete from the day you buy them.

 

[Combi06]

I see some major similarities between the iOS and android 9. Swipe up gesture, Android version of the iOS 12's "screen time" feature.

To be fair Android's version was announced before Apple's screen time

 

[mi7chy]

I see some major similarities between the iOS and android 9. Swipe up gesture, Android version of the iOS 12's "screen time" feature.

That's because Apple copied removing the physical home button and gestures from Android.

 

[GoodWheaties]

But how do you know if you really have all the security updates applied for all the parts of the OS? For instance, we had a user with Android 6.x and that version itself had several highly critical security bugs that needed patched. Our MFA product looked at the version and said it was highly insecure. They need to come up with a version scheme so it is easily verifiable that the phone isn't vulnerable anymore if that is the case. Patching through the App Store actually makes it much more difficult to verify the security of the phone and to know if it is fully patched.

Another issue is the security update not actually having the patches that it is supposed to have. There are numerous documented instances of this happening with major OEM’s. Usually with low to mid range products but not always.