latest
LineageOS is the most popular custom ROM by far, and the project continues to update more devices to version 15.1 (based on Android 8.1 Oreo). Last time we covered LineageOS, the OnePlus 2, Pixel C, and Nexus 6 received Oreo. Since then, several more devices have been updated, including Google's flagship phone from 2012.
Since LineageOS rose from the ashes of the ever popular CyanogenMod custom ROM at the beginning of the year, the community has been hard at work releasing incremental updates on a bi-weekly basis. Each one brings new features and support for more devices. The previous update to LineageOS 14.1 arrived with support for 9 further devices, including the Moto Z Play and Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5. The latest changelog includes additional support for just 1 extra device, the Nextbit Robin, which has been re-added. It also announces that the Nexus 4 will no longer be officially supported.
Cyanogen Inc. may be dying as a company, but the voluntarily-maintained CyanogenMod ROMs are still alive and kicking. Case in point: seven more devices are joining CyanogenMod 14.1, which is based on Android 7.1 Nougat. Six of these Android-powered machines have builds already up, but one doesn't yet.
A few months ago, Nexus 4 owners felt a little bit abandoned when their darling device was left out of the Marshmallow party. While the Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013), and 9 all got their new dessert flavor, the Nexus 4 was left with a used Lollipop that didn't taste just as sweet as it did when it was first released. But fret no more, you old-school Nexus warriors, CyanogenMod is here to save you from descent into irrelevancy thanks to the latest CM 13 nightly.
Read update
There are some new OTA updates rolling out to Nexus devices today, but don't expect any big changes. T-Mobile has posted the update details for Nexus 4, 5, 6, and 7 LTE patches. They're all minor security and bug fix updates, but that's nothing to scoff at.
Google announced the Stagefright vulnerability fix would start rolling out as an OTA today, but it has also added new factory images to the Nexus developer pages. That means bootloader unlocked Nexus phones and tablets can flash the new build immediately, even if your device is running some wacky ROM.
Of our many jobs here at Android Police, one is to make our readers' lives easier when we can. With that in mind, here's a roundup of every known Android 5.1 OTA for every Nexus device that will be receiving it. As new ones become available, this post will be updated accordingly. Android 5.1 will be released to Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7 (2012 and 2013), 9, and 10. As I'm sure you've guessed, there will be plenty of files to be had.
Read update
Android 5.0 was a big visual change for Android, but the upcoming M release will make its mark on Android as well. Google is likely going to announce hard cut-offs for Nexus device update support. There will be no more guessing about which devices will get updates and for how long, but that means several older devices are going to stay on Lollipop.
For many Nexus owners, the wait for Android 5.1.1 is finally over. Today, OTAs began rolling out for several Nexus devices which had thus far been stuck on Android 5.1. If waiting on an OTA update isn't your thing, you can now head on over to Google's Nexus developer page to get the latest factory images.
After seeing Android 5.1.1 hit the new Nexus tablet, the old Nexus tablet, and the Nexus-branded set-top box, it's time for Google to show its handsets some of that bugfix update lovin'. Android 5.1.1 is now hitting the Nexus 5 (version LMY48B for devices on LMY47D, LMY47B for those on LMY47I) and the Nexus 4 (LMY47V).
Android is a complex, multifaceted beast with a lot of moving parts that can break. In the grand scheme of things, this bug isn't a huge deal. It doesn't affect functionality, but it sure is annoying. Here's the deal: get an expanded notification with more than 7 elements on Android 5.1, and you'll probably see a line at the bottom that says, "@17041057."
There's no more waiting for Android 5.1 if you've got a Nexus 4 or either version of the 2013 Nexus 7. Google has posted the full factory images on the dev site, meaning you can flash the new version to get up to date no matter what you've done to your device's software.
Of our many jobs here at Android Police, one is to make our readers' lives easier when we can. With that in mind, here's a roundup of every known Nexus Lollipop OTA. As new ones become available, this post will be updated accordingly.
Google started pushing an incremental Android update to a handful of Nexus devices early last week, with factory images for those units shortly after. Today, the 5.0.1 images for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 4 are live and ready for your flashing pleasure. Surprisingly, we're still not seeing anything for the Nexus 5, and the 2012 Nexus 7/LTE model are of course lagging behind as well. We'll keep you posted as more images become available.
You don't need a lot of money to get your hands on Android 5.0. You don't need a current device, either. The Nexus 4 and 2012 Nexus 7, despite being over two years old at this point, both get to taste Lollipop.
Turn those frowns upside-down, Nexus 4 stalwarts. Your beloved Nexus of yesteryear is finally getting that sweet, sweet Lollipop goodness in an official capacity, just as we expected. Google has posted the full system image that takes the Nexus 4 all the way to Android 5.0.
Nexus 4 owners will be pleased to hear that Lollipop build LRX21T is on its way for their devices. While there isn't a specific time frame for the rollout, Sascha Prüter states in a post to Google+ that the build is "locked and loaded," indicating in the comments that LRX21T is destined for the Nexus 4 some time soon.
The venerable Nexus 4 was a great phone when it was released in 2012, and it's still a pretty good one now two years later. If only you could still buy it... actually, you can. Expansys has some refurbished Nexus 4s they're selling at a steep discount, and they come with a free bumper case.