Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.

In this post, which will be updated frequently, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.

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Before we start

The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex process, involving Google, chipmakers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that can go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.

Just because your device is listed here as officially announced to receive Marshmallow (or worse, just rumored to get the update), it doesn’t mean that your particular model will receive it in a timely manner, or even at all.

Conversely, just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.

Patience is advised.

See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained53

See also: Google releases Marshmallow Quick Start Guide1

Nexus Marshmallow update

On December 7, Google released Android 6.0.1 factory images for Nexus devices. Android 6.0.1 brings a couple of minor features, security fixes, and improved emoji support. Pixel C Android 6.0.1 factory images and binaries became available on December 11.

Google has released Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update. Factory images are available for:

• Nexus 6P (MDA89D)
• Nexus 6P (MDB08K)
• Nexus 6
• Nexus Player
• Nexus 9 LTE
• Nexus 9 WiFi
• Nexus 5 GSM/LTE
• Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi
• Nexus 7 2013 Mobile

The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (both variants), and Nexus 10 will not make the jump to Marshmallow.

If you don’t want to wait, it’s relatively easy to flash a factory image, following our guide:

• How to manually install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on a Nexus device (Windows and Linux)

You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which is the update file that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s server. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link. OTA links via Android Police.

• Nexus 6 – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 6 (T-Mobile only) – from 5.1.1 LYZ28M to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus Player – from 5.1.1 LMY48N to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 9 LTE – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 9 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 5 – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 7 2013 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
• Nexus 7 2013 Mobile – from 5.1.1 LMY48P to 6.0 MRA58K

On November 21, T-Mobile’s Nexus 6 began receiving the Marshmallow update.

Android One Marshmallow update

Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. Factory images for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below.

• Symphony Roar A50
• Cherry Mobile One
• Micromax Canvas A1
• Karbonn Sparkle V
• Spice Dream Uno
• MyPhone Uno
• Mito Impact A10
• Nexian Journey One

To flash these images, you can follow our manual installation guide.

On November 22, an over the air update to version 6.0.1 of Android began hitting some Android One devices. The update appears to be a bug fixing release.

Samsung Marshmallow update

Like with previous versions, Samsung has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 6.0 updates for its smartphones and tablets. We do have however, some off the record information via SamMobile and T-Mobile.

The following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

• Galaxy S5
• Galaxy S5 LTE-A
• Galaxy S5 neo
• Galaxy S6
• Galaxy S6 Edge
• Galaxy S6 Edge+
• Galaxy Note 4
• Galaxy Note Edge
• Galaxy Note 5
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we’re pretty confident that Marshmallow will be available for most versions of these devices, sooner or later. As for what to expect from the update, Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features.

On November 16, an unfinished Marshmallow build for the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 leaked out. While the build is rough around the edges, it gives us a glimpse of the visual changes coming to Samsung flagships with the Android 6.0 update. A system dump and a full partition dump are available. Here are some screenshots:

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#gallery-2 .gallery-item {
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margin-top: 10px;
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width: 25%;
}
#gallery-2 img {
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#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {
margin-left: 0;
}
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December 2: Curious about what Marshmallow will look like on Samsung’s Galaxy S6? A preview build for a Chinese version of the software leaked online, revealing a generally flattened look, as well as a manual mode coming to the default camera app.

On December 4, a Galaxy Note 4 user in Hungary received Android 6.0 Marshmallow on his device. A screenshot gallery and hands-on video of Marshmallow on the Note 4 are available. The most notable feature spotted in this non-final firmware build is the new Air Command from the Note 5, as well as the ability to write on the screen when the phone is sleeping.

LG Marshmallow update

LG announced it will be the first OEM to roll out Android Marshmallow, starting from next week. There’s a catch: only the LG G4 model sold in Poland will receive this update, with models in other “markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas” to follow.

T-Mobile’s update list also mentions the LG G3 and G4 Stylo, which are obvious choices for an update. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.

The LG G4 models sold in South Korea began receiving the Marshmallow update on November 4.

On November 29, the Android 6.0 update reportedly became available in several European countries, via the LG Bridge PC sync software. These regions are: Portugal, Poland, Romania, GErmany, Spain, Turkey, UK, Croatia, Hungary, and Switzerland. The update is also available in Taiwan. Note that not all carrier versions are available. Even if you are not in one of these countries, it’s worth firing up LG Bridge to check for an update manually.

As for the changes coming to LG devices with the update, some of the bigger ones include: updated Knock Code, App Permissions, redesigned Silent Mode, Peek mode, and some visual changes.

On December 16, LG uploaded the source code of the Marshmallow firmware for the LG G3. That doesn’t necessarily mean an actual update is around the corner, but it’s an encouraging sign.

Sprint users of the LG G4 began receiving Marshmallow on December 18.

Motorola Marshmallow update

Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).

• 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Play
• 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
• 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
• DROID Turbo
• 2014 Moto MAXX
• 2014 Moto Turbo
• Nexus 6

According to a Motorola representative, some users are already testing the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Moto X Pure (Style). That means Motorola is in the late stages of preparing the update for a wider rollout, and hopefully we’re hear something new soon.

On November 12, Motorola kicked off the Android 6.0 rollout for the Moto X (2014) and the Moto X Style. The first markets where the OTA is available are Brazil and India.

On December 2, Motorola announced that Moto X Pure (2015 edition) users in Moto’s feedback program have begun receiving the soak test Android 6.0 update. If all goes to plan, the update should hit the general population in a week from December 2.

On December 9, Motorola announced that Marshmallow is rolling out to Moto X Pure users on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and U.S. Cellular. The update is also coming to the Moto X Style in Latin America. The company said it’s now testing the update for the Moto X Play in Brazil and India, as well as the Moto X Force in Brazil.

Also on December 9, it was revealed that Motorola would update certain versions of the Moto E (2015). Specifically, the update will roll out to the Snapdragon 410 powered versions in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, excluding China. The US is not on the list where the update will be available.

The Marshmallow update for the Moto X (2014) began rolling out in India on December 16 and Europe on December 17.

HTC Marshmallow update

HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0, and even a timeline. The One M8 and One M9 will see Marshmallow by the end of the year, while the other phones listed below will get the same treatment from early next year.

• HTC One M9
• HTC One M8
• HTC One M9+
• HTC One E9+
• HTC One E9
• HTC One ME
• HTC One E8
• HTC One M8 EYE
• HTC Butterfly 3
• HTC Desire 826
• HTC Desire 820
• HTC Desire 816

After the launch of the One A9, HTC announced the unlocked version of the device will receive “every” Android update within 15 days from the time the update hits the Nexus devices. That’s a very bold promise, and hopefully it’s a sign of bigger things to come.

The HTC One M8 Google Play Edition is the first HTC device to be updated to Marshmallow. The rollout for the device is underway.

On December 2, HTC’s Mo Versi announced on Twitter that the Marshmallow update would hit the HTC One M8 (unlocked) within 24 hours. At the time this post was updated, the rollout has yet to commence, but it will probably become available soon.

On December 7, Mo Versi revealed that the Marshmallow update would hit the unlocked version of the One M9 this month. The One A9, which launched with Marshmallow, will also get the bump to Android 6.0.1 in December.

On December 13, it was revealed that Canadian carrier versions of the One M9 will get Marshmallow in early 2016.

Sony Marshmallow update

Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs.

As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon. The beta update has begun rolling out on October 19 and Sony supplemented the number of beta invites so more users can join in the fun. On October 28, Sony rolled out an OTA update for the Marshmallow beta.

On November 20, we brought you our hands-on with the Sony Marshmallow concept running on the Xperia Z3.

On December 15, Sony announced the beta program would extend into the new year and that an update will bring Android 6.0.1 to the beta.

Sony devices officially confirmed to get Marshmallow:

• T Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
• Xperia Z4 Tablet
• Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
• Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
• Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4

According to Australian carrier Telstra, the update for the Xperia Z4 Tablet will roll out in January 2016.

A note for users of the Sony Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5: according to a Sony support page, these devices will jump straight to Android 6.0, skipping Android 5.1.1.

On December 18, Marshmallow-running versions of the Xperia Z4, Z5, and Z5 Premium were spotted in the WiFi certification database, suggesting that an update is coming sooner rather than later.

Huawei Marshmallow update

Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. Considering that the Mate 7, Huawei’s 2014 flagship, is yet to receive Lollipop, we wouldn’t hold our breath. That said, a rumor out of China suggests the Mate 7, P8, Honor 6 Plus and more devices will eventually see Android 6.0. 

As it turns out, Huawei has proved us wrong. The company announced in would put Marshmallow on the following devices:

• Huawei Mate S
• Huawei Mate 7
• Huawei P8
• P8 Youth Edition
• P8 Max
• Maimagn 4
• G7 Plus
• G7
• Honor 7
• Honor 7i
• 6 Plus
• Honor 6
• Honor X2
• Honor 4X
• Honor Play 4C

The Honor team, which is technically autonomous inside Huawei, recently announced that a beta build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Honor 7 will be made available in the following weeks.

On December 4, Honor put up a form allowing Honor users to sign up for the Marshmallow beta program. You can check the form here.

The Honor 7 Enhanced Edition launched with Marshmallow on board on December 14.

ZTE Marshmallow update

Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.

OnePlus Marshmallow update

OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team. Considering that the Oxygen OS team is still busy working on the current, Android 5-based release, the prospect of a Marshmallow release seems remote.

On November 16, OnePlus announced a timeframe for its devices updates:

• The original OnePlus One will get Cyanogen OS 13 (from Cyanogen OS) in Q1 2016.
• The semi-official Oxygen OS build for OnePlus One will be updated to Marshmallow when “time allows it.”
• The OnePlus 2 will receive the update to the Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS version in Q1 2016.
• No information was given about the Marshmallow update for the new OnePlus X.

Asus Marshmallow update

One sketchy rumor claimed Asus will bring Marshmallow to the Zenfone 2 series, including the Zenfone Laser, Deluxe, and Selfie. It looks like the rumor was at least partially correct, because Asus came out with a short list of devices that will get the Marshmallow update:

• PadFone S (PF500KL)
• ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML/ZE551ML)
• ZenFone 2 Deluxe / Special Edition (ZE551ML)
• ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KG/ZE500KL/ZE550KL/ZE600KL/ZE601KL)
• ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL)

Missing from the list are the original Zefone 4, 5, and 6, as well as other Asus devices from 2014.

Lenovo Marshmallow update

Lenovo finally announced some of its Marshmallow plans on November 6, but the good news ends there. Lenovo only confirmed the update for a handful of devices, and the timeframe for the rollout is painfully long:

• Lenovo A7000, A7000 Plus, and K3 Note – update expected by September 2016
• Lenovo Vibe P1 and Vibe S1 – update expected by June 2016

On December 3, news about Lenovo’s Marshmallow plans surfaced online. The following devices are expected to receive Marshmallow:

China:

• K3 Note – March-April 2016
• Vibe X3 – March-April 2016
• Vibe P1 – March 2016
• A7000 – April 2016

Rest of the world:

• K3 Note – March 2016
• A7000 – April 2016
• Vibe P1  – May 2016
• Vibe S1 – June 2016
• Vibe X3 – July 2016
• A7000+ – July 2016

BlackBerry Marshmallow update

BlackBerry only released one Android device to date, and a fast Marshmallow update isn’t a priority for the company. The BlackBerry Priv will receive Android 6.0 “sometime into the new year.” Whether that means early 2016 or a year from now, it’s hard to tell.

Nvidia Marshmallow update

On November 17, Nvidia relaunched the Shield Tablet as the Shield Tablet K1. The revamped model runs Lollipop, just like its predecessor, but Nvidia promised an update to Android 6.0 “in the coming months.”

On December 15, Nvidia showed off Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on the Shield Tablet K1. The update could roll out ahead of the holidays.

Xiaomi Marshmallow update

On December 4, Xiaomi’s MIUI operations manager announced on Weibo that Marshmallow would hit the Xiaomi Mi 4 and Xiaomi Mi Note “soon,” via an MIUI update. We’ll update when we hear more.

Custom (unofficial) Marshmallow ROMs

When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.

The first official CyanogenMod 13 nightlies went live on November 25. Among the devices for which CM13 nightlies are available are the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Nightlies for Android One devices became available on December 10.

Also keep an eye on independent developers – for instance, Dmitry Grinberg has come up with a working Marshmallow ROM for the Nexus 4, and there are also Marshmallow ROM projects for the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 (2012).

Custom stock Marshmallow ROM are available for the OnePlus One and for the LG G4.

It’s not a ROM, but the Xposed framework is definitely important to many Android users. On November 10, developer rovo86 announced that the Xposed for Marshmallow is almost finalized.

On December 4, HTC HD2, the seemingly unkillable phone that launched in 2009 running Windows Mobile, has received an unofficial Marshmallow ROM. The legend lives on.

On December 18, an unofficial Marshmallow-based CyanogenMod 13 ROM was announced for the venerable Samsung Galaxy S3.

More info and discussion

For a discussion on all the Android Marshmallow updates, check out the dedicated thread on the Android Authority forums.fds

Missed something? Let us know and we will update this post. Tell us your thoughts!

Source: ANDRIOD AUTHORITY