Google's Android P is expected to bring some great upgrades to the OS, but older hardware such as the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and the Pixel C tablet won't get a taste of it.
Google is already busy working on the next version of its Android operating system, dubbed Android P for now. It's still months away, but developers can test some of the new features on a few Google devices: the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL.
No Android P For Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, And Pixel C Tablet
The Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P made their debuts back in 2015, so there's no surprise that they will not be getting the next version of Android when it comes out later this year. The Google Pixel C tablet came out in the same year, 2015, so it's lived through its support for new OS versions as well.
Ars Technica has already confirmed with Google that these older devices will not get Android P. Then again, these devices received OS updates for two years, so it was expected to lose support past this mark.
Nevertheless, the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Google Pixel C tablet will continue to receive monthly security update at least until November 2018, although they will not move past Android 8.1 Oreo.
Android Police further points out that no Developer Preview image of Android P is available for the Nexus Player, so it's probably reached its end of support for OS updates as well. The Nexus Player hit the scene back in 2014, so it's not surprising that it likely won't get Android P.
Android Fragmentation
Google is not updating old devices to the latest operating system version and it's nothing new. Android fragmentation has always been a real thing and it's unlikely to change anytime soon. Google has, however, improved its apps and services by incorporating many major features of the OS, so older devices can deliver a good experience even without new OS updates.
Apple, on the other hand, is pushing its latest updates even to older devices. The 2013 iPhone 5s, for instance, runs iOS 11.
At the same time, it's worth pointing out that Apple has deliberately throttled older devices to make up for aging batteries, which stirred a firestorm of criticism. Apple is now facing several lawsuits over its iPhone slowdown practice and it will lose billions of dollars with its $29 battery replacement program.
