What you need to know
In a recent announcement, Fairphone has confirmed that the anticipated Android 14 update for the Fairphone 4 will not be rolled out as initially expected. Instead, the company will focus on upgrading the device directly to Android 15. This strategic pivot comes in light of significant delays and challenges in delivering a stable Android 14 version.
- Fairphone 4 users had been eagerly awaiting the Android 14 update, which was promised for early this year.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, including limited resources, the company has opted to bypass Android 14 in favor of Android 15.
- Fairphone has committed to enhancing its communication with users, ensuring that they are kept informed throughout the upgrade process, although a specific timeline for the Android 15 release remains undisclosed.
As Android 15 begins to appear on both new and older devices, Fairphone 4 users find themselves in a unique position. The device, which debuted in 2023 across Europe, was originally slated to receive the Android 14 update. However, the company has since issued a blog post acknowledging the delays and expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to its customers.
In their communication, Fairphone acknowledged the frustration stemming from the prolonged wait for updates. The company stated, “We know this one has been especially frustrating, and we’re sorry for the long wait times many of you have faced. The truth is, we have been dealing with very limited capacity, which had slowed our response times.” With this in mind, they have made the decision to concentrate their efforts on delivering a stable Android 15 experience.
Fairphone is actively working on the Android 15 upgrade and has pledged to keep users informed with regular updates. While this commitment is a positive step forward, the company has refrained from providing a definitive timeline for the rollout, citing factors beyond their control. For dedicated Fairphone enthusiasts, the message is clear: the company is focused on delivering the next iteration as swiftly as possible.
In the interim, users are encouraged to engage with the community forums for the latest information and updates. Fairphone has expressed a renewed commitment to transparency, stating, “Even if it’s just a small check-in or an update that says ‘still working on it,’ we’ll share it. We get it now: silence doesn’t help. We can do better. So that’s what we’re committing to.”
Meanwhile, the recently launched Fairphone 5, which debuted with Android 13, has been promised a robust support plan, including at least five OS updates and an impressive eight years of software and security updates, ensuring its functionality well into 2031.
