When is prior versions of android obsolete?

[Compman55]

What is considered obsolete? They seem to release to public in October & November of each year, and with "N" just around the coerner when will marshmallow be obsolete?

 

[poofyhairguy]

I would say about 18 months after release. That is about how long it takes for any new release of Android to be the dominant version in user statistics, plus that is how long Google has come to expect people to get a new version of the OS.

With that said, really it depends on the apps you use. If you use an app that doesn't user new features/APIs any Android phone back to Ice Cream sandwich (2011) can probably run the app. Some apps do need Lollipop or newer (2014), but no app is going to expect you to have the newest OS for at least 18 months (back to that number).

 

[Sable]

more likely to depend on the hardware you're running imo.

My nexus 7 original was slow as xxxx on the latest and greatest OS. Had to downgrade to get any semblance of functionality back.

 

[JeffMD]

as of right now, 4.0 is borderline obsolete. Chances are if it can't upgrade to 4.3 or 4.4, it is too underpowered. That said, I expect 4.4 to last a while. It was a good point in android'd life where you could do anything you wanted in android, and from there its all just ui updates and such. I expect 2 years down the line, older powerhouses stuck on 4.4 like the Lg Flex line (flagship spinoffs) will still run circles around basic "N" phones.

 

[Compman55]

So even 5.1 lollipop is still OK? I do not really notice the functional differences between it and marshmallow that would force me to update.

 

[poofyhairguy]

So even 5.1 lollipop is still OK? I do not really notice the functional differences between it and marshmallow that would force me to update.

Sure, if no Marshmallow features appeal to you. The only one I really use is Doze.

 

[RossMAN]

Kitkat 4.4 should be the absolute minimum, ok maybe 4.0

 

[Oyeve]

My tab pro 8.4 is on 4.4 and will never see 5. The hw is more than adequate but Sammy abandoned it. Bastards.

 

[GTRagnarok]

Still on 4.4.4 on my Note 4 because Lollipop gave me noticeably worse battery life. Hopefully MM is better, whenever T-Mobile decides to release it.