If you own a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can expect to receive the latest version of Android 7.1.1 Nougat when Samsung releases the update. The Note 5, Galaxy S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge Plus will likely also be updated to Android 7.1.1 Nougat in 2017.
One of Android's biggest problems and something that has plagued the OS and devices running the OS has been the lack of timely updates to smartphones and tablets sold by licensees. Google's Nexus smartphones and tablets have been hugely popular with Android fans because they came with the guarantee of receiving updates whenever Google released them. This same privilege has also been extended to Google's new Pixel, Pixel XL and Pixel C tablet.
Android Licensees Promise Quicker Android OS Updates
Android smartphone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung have tried to reassure customers that major Android OS updates will be released sooner than in previous years. In July, HTC confirmed that it would release an Android 7.0 Nougat software update for the HTC 10, One M9, and One A9. The company most recently followed through on its promise and delivered Android 7.0 Nougat for the unlocked One M9.
Samsung Promises Android 7.0 Nougat Updates
In early October, we reported that Samsung was also planning to release an Android 7.0 Nougat software update for its current flagship smartphones and previous flagships like the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Galaxy Note 5, S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge Plus.
Samsung Launches Galaxy Beta Program For Android 7.0 Nougat
Samsung took a page out of Apple's iOS beta and Google's Android beta program playbook by allowing owners of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge to sign up for its Galaxy Beta Program to test the Android 7.0 Nougat update before it officially gets released to the public.
It now appears that Samsung will skip over Android 7.0 Nougat and release Android 7.1.1 Nougat to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The company confirmed the news to a tester, with a username of Mohammad_rvp, who posted a screenshot from the Galaxy Beta Program. While the update was expected to be released before the end of the year, it looks as if Galaxy S7 and S7 edge owners will receive the update in early 2017.
Will Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, And S6 Edge Plus Get Android 7.1.1 Nougat?
Since Samsung is going to go right to Android 7.1.1 for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, it's very likely the company will issue the same update for the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge Plus, instead of releasing Android 7.0 Nougat.
We'll keep you updated on when you can actually expect to receive these Android 7.1.1 Nougat updates for your Samsung smartphone.
