Update: While the message sent out to developers may be new, as it turns out, the information is not. It repeats what Google said back when it announced the availability of the Android 5.0 SDK. Here's the relevant passage.

Starting November 3rd, Nexus 9 will be the first device available to consumers that will run Android 5.0. Therefore, it is a great time to publish on Google Play, once you've updated and tested your app. Even if your apps target earlier versions of Android, take a few moments to test them on the Android 5.0 system images, and publish any updates needed in advance of the Android 5.0 rollout.

This means the note doesn't serve as added confirmation that Lollipop will come to anything other than the Nexus 9 and the Nexus Player on November 3rd. That said, it doesn't disprove it, either. It merely serves as another reminder that the 3rd will be the day some consumers will get their hands on Android 5.0, and developers need to get their apps in shape.


Google has sent out a note to app developers along with the Android 5.0 SDK informing them that November 3rd will be the day that Lollipop becomes available to consumers. They can now publish apps in the Play Store targeting the platform and expect users to be able to take full advantage of them within a matter of weeks. Until then, Google would like developers to test their products and churn out any needed updates in time for launch.

November 3rd was already the date we expected Google to consider the big day, since it's the launch date for multiple Nexus devices, including HTC's 9-inch tablet and the Nexus TV. By definition, this meant that consumers would get their hands on Android Lollipop by then. But this also lines up with information we've received saying that an over-the-air update bringing Android 5.0 would come to the Wi-Fi Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and the Nexus 10 starting on, that's right, November 3rd.

But it doesn't matter how certain we may be of something, it's nice to see it placed again so clearly in black and white. November 3rd is the day of Lollipop's official coming out party, so get excited, everyone.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!