Yesterday marks Window’s Phone’s “end of support” classification with Microsoft which means they will not be updating the phones anymore, not even for security. While Windows 10 Mobile is still available there aren’t many phones that are compatible with this OS. What does this mean? It means that if you have a Windows phone, it’s time to switch to Android or iPhone. Security is one of the most important reasons to allow your operating system to update, if those updates aren’t available then all of the personal data you put on your phone is at risk. This is a real problem and not only for Windows phone users.
There is a new operating system coming for Apple and Android towards the end of the year and you shouldn’t use a phone that will not be included in these major updates. Yes, the new features and designs of these operating systems are cool but they aren’t the only reasons you should tap ok when the update notification pops up. These updates protect your personal data from theft, hacking, phishing, and spamming. Updates to your OS are often responses to new security threats that developers have become aware of so while the notification every few months to instal version 1.2.4.3.2 can be obnoxious it’s too important to ignore.
Here’s a list of some of the devices that WILL BE recieving the new Android OS called Android O:
- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Nexus 5X
- Nexus 6P
- Pixel C
- Nexus Player
- Galaxy S8 and S8+
- HTC U11 (Maybe older devices but it’s still unclear.)
- Z-Droid
- Z Play
- Moto Z
- Z Play Droid
- Z Force Droid ( Verizon exclusive in the USA)
- Z2 (2017)
- G4
- G5 Plus
- Moto G5
- G4 Plus
- G4 Play (Not Confirmed)
- OnePlus3
- OnePlus3T
- OnePlus5 (Rumored)
Rollout dates for Android O differ for every device and there are some devices who’s companies have yet to confirm an Android O rollout at all.
As for your Apple Device, here’s the list of the phones and tablets that will receive the new iOS 11 update when it’s fully available:
iPhone
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
iPad
- iPad mini 2
- iPad mini 3
- iPad mini 4
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- 12.5-inch iPad Pro
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
iPod touch
- iPod touch (6th generation)
If your device isn’t going to be updated this fall or early next year it may be time to consider upgrading. While some of the older phones will still get OS updates from time to time it won’t be long before they go the way os Windows Mobile and become more of a risk to use. Yes, I know it can be annoying to get used to a new phone and a new user interface and system but the safety and security is too important to ignore. Just take the leap or, if all else fails, faxing can be a pretty safe way to communicate. I kid because I care.