Android Lollipop 5.0 update: when can I get it?

It's been a while since Android Lollipop was unveiled, but a lot of your handsets still don't have it, as it's down to individual manufacturers to bring it to their devices.

That takes time, but we're finally seeing it trickle out to ever more phones, and many manufacturers have also revealed when they plan to roll out the update.

We're constantly updating this article as new information emerges so read on for details about your specific device and manufacturer and remember to check back regularly.

The good news though is that if you don't have Lollipop for your phone yet you probably will soon. And the even better news: it's worth the wait, as it includes a smorgasbord of new features, a visual overhaul and numerous under-the-hood improvements to make if faster, more efficient and lighter on your battery.

Read our hands on: Android 5.0 Lollipop review
Latest update: Samsung has started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update to Australian Galaxy Note Edge owners and Motorola has brought Android 5.0.2 to Canadian Moto G handsets.



Google

One of the best things about buying a Nexus device is that they're first in line for software updates. As such not only did the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop, but it's since been rolled out to the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 Wi-Fi (both the 2012 and 2013 versions) and the Nexus 10.

That's most of the remotely recent Nexus devices accounted for, but it does leave a big question mark against the cellular versions of the Nexus 7 2012 and 2013. Those tablets should see an update at some, though Google has not indicated when this will be.

Any Nexus devices older than the ones we've already mentioned are all but guaranteed not to get it, meaning that Nexus S owners are plum out of luck. Google has also confirmed that the Galaxy Nexuswill not receive the update.

HTC

HTC has been more forthcoming with its update plans than some manufacturers and it's no surprise given how quickly it's started bringing the update to users. In a statement the company originally said:

"We will begin rolling out updates to the HTC One (M8) and HTC One (M7) in regions worldwide within 90 days of receiving final software from Google, followed shortly thereafter by other One family members and select devices."

HTC has made good on its promise for some users, but not for others. The Google Play Edition of the HTC One (M7) has got the update, while unlocked and developer versions of the HTC One (M8) worldwide and the HTC One (M7) in the US have now been given a lick of Lollipop too.

But owners who have a device that's tied to a specific mobile network or those with a One (M7) outside the US may have to hold on for a little while longer.

HTC has addressed the fact that it's late with the update for many devices, citing issues with the initial builds of Lollipop, but assuring HTC One (M8) and HTC One (M7) users that the update will be with them as soon as possible.

We're going to assume that most other HTC handsets released in the last 12-18 months will also get Lollipop at some point given HTC's commitment to the upgrade cause.

As a general rule the more recent and high profile a device is the more likely it is to get an update. Indeed according to LlabTooFeR the HTC Desire Eye and HTC One E8 will both get updated by March.

Another leak states the HTC One Mini 2 and Desire 816 will get Lollipop sometime in March or April, while the HTC One Max, HTC One Mini and Butterfly S have an expected Android 5.0 rollout of March-May.

As well as a fresh coat of paint, complete with new animations and a new multitasking and notifications screen, the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop brings new features to HTC's devices according toLlabTooFeR, including an 'Easy Mode', which simplifies the interface.

It does this by putting core functions front and centre as well as upping the font and icon size, which could be handy for those new to smartphones or anyone with poor eyesight or dexterity.

Samsung

Samsung started rolling out Android 5.0 to the Galaxy S5 in mid-January, so most if not all S5 handsets should have it by now.

The Android 5.0 update for Samsung's Galaxy S4 handset is now live for owners in India, so we should expect S4 smartphones in other parts of the world to get the update soon. You'll be able to download the 1GB update OTA (over the air) or through the Samsung Kies desktop software.

Russian users of the Galaxy S4 should also be able to grab the update, while various European countries are seeing the update land on the Galaxy S4 LTE-A.

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is now also getting the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop, though it's heading to lucky owners in Australia first. The update will be 1.02GB large, so make sure you're on Wi-Fi when you download, and Samsung notes you'll need 3GB of free space.

Hopefully owners of the Galaxy Note Edge in other parts of the world won't have long to wait to get the update.

We've heard news that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Note 4 will be getting the update to Android 5.0 Lollipop at some point in early 2015.

Owners of unlocked Note 4s in South Korea and Poland are now able to get the update by connecting to a Wi-Fi network, opening up Settings, selecting 'About Device' and tapping on 'Update Now' under the Software Update option.

It's also now started rolling out to the Galaxy Note 3 already according to SamMobile, but only in Russia so far.

To whet your appetite before it lands it looks like photos of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 running Android 5.0 Lollipop have leaked on to the internet.

The Galaxy Alpha is also likely to get the update soon, according to Danny Dorresteijn, the co-founder of respected fan site SamMobile.

Other Samsung handsets may have to wait a little longer, although we'd expect that most high profile devices released in the last 18 months to 2 years will get the update, including the Galaxy S4 Mini and the Galaxy S5 Mini.

We doubt that the Samsung Galaxy S3 or anything older will get Android Lollipop. It's a device that's already over two years old and some versions of it didn't even get Android 4.4.

Samsung doesn't seem great at updating its tablets either. There's a good chance recent slates like its Note Pro and Tab S ranges and even the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 will get Android Lollipop, but anything older or low end is probably not going to happen.

Sony

Sony has openly declared that it will be "bringing Android 5.0 Lollipop to the entire Xperia Z Series."

It's even published a full list of handsets which are in line for Android Lollipop, and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition has already received the update.

As for the rest of its phones, at the CES 2015 convention in January, COO of Sony Electronics Michael Fasulo announced that it will be bringing Lollipop to its Xperia Z3 range starting in February, which presumably means the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact will be first.

No further details were given about the time frame Xperia Z3 owners can expect to see the update, but carrier branded handsets may have to wait until March, as that's when Canadian network Rogersreckons it will have the update, while it claims the Xperia Z1 will get Lollipop in April.