Microsoft recently started rolling out the Windows 10 Creators Update, but it also announced limited availability of the update and discontinued the Upgrade Advisor app.
That said, it's essentially killing off most Windows 10 Mobile smartphones in the wild.
Windows 10 Creators Update Limited Availability
The Windows 10 Mobile OS will live on in just 13 smartphones, only six of which are Lumia branded.
Here's a quick list of the survivors:
• Alcatel IDOL 4S
• Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
• HP Elite x3
• Microsoft Lumia 550
• Microsoft Lumia 640 and 640XL
• Microsoft Lumia 650
• Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL
• MouseComputer MADOSMA Q601
• SoftBank 503LV
• Trinity NuAns NEO
• VAIO Phone Biz
To be clear, all other Windows smartphones that aren't in the list won't receive the official update, but they can still install it through other means, which comes with some risks, though.
According to Microsoft, this decision was made based on Windows Insiders' feedback.
"We looked at feedback from our Windows Insiders and realized that we were not providing the best possible experience for our customers on many older devices. That helped us determine which devices we support for the Windows 10 Creators Update," Microsoft said.
Upgrade Advisor Now Obsolete
Things already started looking pretty grim with the limited availability of the Windows 10 Creators Update, but as the final nail in the coffin of sorts, Microsoft got rid of Upgrade Advisor.
For the uninitiated, the now-defunct app allowed users to upgrade from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile officially.
It's still available for download via the Windows Store, but it unfortunately won't work, even for some supported devices.
Windows Insider App Stops Offering New Builds
As a kicker, some Windows 10 Mobile users have been reporting that the Windows Insider app has stopped offering new Windows 10 Mobile builds for Windows 8.1 devices.
This spells bad news to consumers who bought a Windows Phone 8.1 handset that's been upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile. When they decide to downgrade back to the original OS it shipped with, they won't be eligible to reinstall Windows 10 Mobile anymore — that is, assuming that the device is not supported by the Insider app, of course.
Windows Smartphones Now Dead?
Short answer is yes, Windows smartphones are now more or less dead, with Microsoft supporting only 13 devices moving forward for now.
It's also worth mentioning that the manufacturer is reportedly working on another Lumia handset for 2017, and if it turns out to be true, then the Windows phone options might still expand.
But what does this mean for the highly anticipated Surface Phone? Well, seeing that it's mostly based on rumors, no one can really say what's in store, but it may just be the lifesaver that the Windows mobile OS needs.
With all said and done, are you one of the owners who has an unsupported Windows smartphone? If so, feel free to hit us up in the comments section below and let us know what you think of Microsoft's recent decision.
