PSA: They won’t get Android 7.1.2, but the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will still be getting security patches

Yesterday’s announcement of Android 7.1.2 revealed a small update, with bigger implications. In Google’s blog post, you may have noticed that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 are both not listed, and for good reason ─ Google is no longer pushing system updates to these devices.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Both the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 launched in late 2014, with this past November marking two years since the devices were announced. Google only guarantees system updates for two years, so Android 7.1.1 marked the end for both as the company confirmed in a statement to Droid-Life. The Nexus 6 even got a slight extension on its life with 7.1.1 arriving earlier this month.

So with no more major updates on the horizon, does that mean it’s time to upgrade? The biggest danger with a phone or tablet that doesn’t get updates is security.  However, Google will still be pushing security patches to both the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 until November of this year per the company’s policy on security patches.

So for now, you’re good. Even though smartphones on the market today like the Pixel and Mate 9 are fantastic steps up from ‘Shamu,’ it doesn’t mean you need to ditch the phone just yet. Both devices will be safe use to use for most of this year.