Xiaomi has joined the three-year system upgrade bandwagon. One of Android’s inherent flaws is fragmentation, and the best remedy for it is for manufacturers to provide more years of updates. Currently, Google with its Pixel or Samsung, which committed to providing three years of upgrades even in the mid-range, are a step ahead of the competition.
Xiaomi wants to get in on the action of three years of system upgrades and four years of security updates. It’s an important step forward from the current two-year period, which some Xiaomi phones are expected to receive.
The Xiaomi 11T will release up to four years of updates
In the words of Albert Shan, Product Manager at Xiaomi, Xiaomi is extending the life cycle of its phones, as we read on XDA Developers. Specifically, three years of system updates and four years of security updates.
The Xiaomi 11T will be one of the Xiaomi models with the longest update cycle. It’ll get Android 14 and four years of security upgrades, for a total duration of five years from launch.
As a result, the Xiaomi 11T would be on Android 14 (if so named), three major leaps forward in Android versions. The pattern of updates is not clear whether it will be monthly, bimonthly or quarterly, although four years are guaranteed from this generation 11T, which we expect to learn next September 15.
“Xiaomi is further extending the life cycle of Xiaomi smartphones by guaranteeing three generations of Android OS updates. In this way, users can choose to use their current devices for a longer period and enjoy the latest functions along with them. At the same time, we will also provide users with security updates that ensure their devices operate securely for a longer period.” Albert Shan, Product Manager of Xiaomi.
What will happen to the rest of Xiaomi’s handsets is a question that must be considered. “Xiaomi is currently evaluating the possibility of bringing the extended Android system and security update services to additional devices,” according to its product manager, so it’s not out of the question that high-end phones from the company would receive these upgrades soon.