Android 7 Nougat Update Schedule & Release Date: When's Your Phone Getting It?

Android 7 "Nougat" is now OFFICIAL and rolling out to Nexus Phones. But when can the average Android user expect to get it?

As of Q1 2017, there are two main operating systems in the mobile market: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platform.Microsoft's Windows 10, while impressive, owns less than 1% of the market alongside BlackBerry’s now-practically-deceased BB10 platform.Android is the biggest OS by a considerable margin, though, unlike iOS, the most prevalent version of Android in use is not the latest build; it’s not even Marshmallow. Lollipop and KitKat builds are still the most active versions of Android in use around the globe.This is just the nature of Google’s Android ecosystem, though. Things are fragmented because of the sheer number of Android phones produced every year, the careless nature of the firms that build them, who are, in most cases, more focussed on new hardware over updating the software on their existing releases, and also the fact that people are holding onto their phones for longer.Android 7 Nougat is a very impressive update, however, one that sees Google take things a step further with its own line of Pixel phones, which benefit from quite a few software USPs.Things like Google Assistant, the new UX layout, and optimisations inside the operating system make Android Nougat one of the most potent versions of Android ever released.

Android 7 Nougat Key New Features

“There are over 250 major features in Android Nougat,” says Google, “including VR Mode in Android. We’ve worked at all levels of the Android stack in Nougat — from how the operating system reads sensor data to how it sends pixels to the display — to make it especially built to provide high quality mobile VR experiences.”It added: “Nougat brings a number of new features to help make Android more powerful, more productive and more secure. It introduces a brand new JIT/AOT compiler to improve software performance, make app installs faster, and take up less storage. It also adds platform support for Vulkan, a low-overhead, cross-platform API for high-performance, 3D graphics. Multi-Window support lets users run two apps at the same time, and Direct Reply so users can reply directly to notifications without having to open the app. As always, Android is built with powerful layers of security and encryption to keep your private data private, so Nougat brings new features like File-based encryption, seamless updates, and Direct Boot.”Check out our feature on Android 7 Nougat’s Best Features for a more detailed breakdown of what’s cracking inside the new platform.

Android Nougat Release Date: When Will It Be Available For Your Android Phone? 

Google shipped the most complete version of Android Nougat aboard its new Pixel phones. You can read our Pixel XL Review for a full break-down on what makes these phones tick and why you’ll likely want to pick one up in 2016. The Pixel handsets are expensive, yes, but they are also two of the best phones on the planet right now. Nothing else comes close to the XL’s overall performance in the opinion of this writer, so make sure you check one out.If you’re interested in learning how to become an Android developer, earning money, and potentially becoming the next Mark Zuckerberg or the guys who invented Angry Birds, then you NEED to learn how to do it. And one of the best courses going is The Complete Android N Developer Course by Udemy, which is now just £15 – down from £200!  The thing that makes the Pixel phones so unique is their software; both run a bespoke version of Android Nougat that you simply will not find anywhere else. Exclusive features for the Pixel and Pixel XL include:

• Google Assistant
• Unlimited Storage For Photos and Video (even 4K video) 
• The Pixel Launcher
• Smart Storage 
• 24/7 Support 
• Pixel Camera

But these aren’t what make the Pixel special. No. What makes the Pixel XL so special in the opinion of this writer is its overall performance. The handset simply flies; nothing can hold it down. Couple this with market-leading battery performance – the type that has to be seen to be believed – and a brilliant camera and you have one hell of an Android phone.Google has also revealed, as of October 20, that the Google Pixel phones will be guaraunteed updates to the latest Android builds for the next two years. On the firm's "Check & update your Android version" page it promises to keep the Pixel series updated until October 2018."Pixel phones get Android version updates for at least 2 years from when the device became available on the Google Store. After 2 years, we can't guarantee additional updates."Security updates are guaranteed for three years, however.But if you, like the majority of Android users, aren't rocking a Nexus handset, well, you might just have to wait that little bit longer for Android N to arrive on your device. The reasons for this are myriad. Unfortunately, long delays on Android updates, even for flagship phones, is a fact of life within the Android Kingdom.

Now, let’s take a look at each of Google’s major hardware partner’s track-records with Android updates.

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

Samsung Android Nougat Update

Samsung's got plenty of trouble on its plate with the Galaxy Note 7 exploding battery fiasco and recall, a blunder that's expected to cost the firm $1.5 billion. Ouch. In terms of the Android N update, expect that to be delayed for the Galaxy Note 7 due to all this faff. But in addition Samsung has stated it expects at least an extra two or three months development time on top of its usual for Android N on the Galaxy Note 7 due to how complicated it will be tying together new Android N features with the Galaxy Note 7's new functionality and S-Pen stuff.As for the Galaxy S7 flagship series, both phones have been spotted in large numbers running Nougat on the Geekbench database, suggesting Samsung is in a mass testing phase for the software update. That still could mean there's a good few months left of development time though, given how long it took the Galaxy S6 to update to Android M (5 months) we're thinking Q1 2017 is fairly likely. At the very least both the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge should update at the same time!As of September 23, news has emerged that Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Note 7's new "Grace UX" to the Galaxy S7 series when the Android 7.0 update lands. GSMArena claims to have heard from insiders following the above reports of multiple Android N Galaxy S7 units in testing appearing via the Geekbench database. According to the details, the new update will include Google's Android N changes as well as new features added by the brand new Grace UX. On top of this, some features from the Galaxy Note 7 will also transfer across, including new Always On functions for the display. The report also added that the Android 7.0 build is seeing much improved and smoother performance on the Galaxy S7 series compared to the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software currently available to the public.

Samsung Releases Android Nougat For Galaxy S7 In Select Regions

Samsung has begun pushing out Android Nougat to its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE models in certain regions. Here’s the scoop via Sam Mobile:“Samsung has announced an Android 7.0 Nougat beta program for the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge. The program is open to those who own this handset in select countries but so far the beta firmware has not been rolled out as only registrations for the program are being taken right now. We already have a beta Android 7.0 Nougat firmware that we’ve installed on a Galaxy S7 – version G930FXXU1ZPK1 – so we can now share all that’s new in this much-awaited major Android update for Samsung devices.”

Samsung Galaxy S6 Nougat Build Spotted In Benchmarks

We already knew the Galaxy S6 would be getting Nougat at some point, as it's only coming up to its second birthday, but as of November 22 a test unit Galaxy S6 has been spotted in both GFXBench and Geekbench benchmarking databases running Android Nougat. This is reason to be excited, because it likely means the update is going to land imminently; usually test builds are not put through benchmark suites like this until they're almost ready, so we're thinking this could mean the Nougat update will land on Galaxy S6 units in the next few weeks, certainly in the run up to Christmas. This is great news as the Galaxy S6 didn't see the Marshmallow update until February 2016, so things are a good deal quicker this time round.On January 23 a Galaxy S6 has been spotted running Android Nougat while getting its Wi-Fi certification. A handset with the model number SM-G920V running Android Nougat 7.0 has been certificed by the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA), likely meaning that, rather than a whole new model, this is a re-designation for purposes of certification of the new Android build before it rolls out to existing handsets.Another exchange with Samsung technical support has also revealed that another firmware update for the Nougat beta on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE is on the way very soon. Primarily this will be a bugfix update for existing reported issues on the current beta.The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE may soon be bumped up to a final update build for the general public; although currently the software is in beta testing, it has now moved to the carrier testing phase, according to details sourced from Vodafone Australia.Of course there's no indication of precisely when it will arrive, but sometime soon does seem likely, under the circumstances.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Spotted In Benchmarks Running Nougat

Following rumours that the Galaxy Note 5 would be updated to the now discontinued Galaxy Note 7's new "Grace UI", the phone has been spotted in the GFXBench database with a listing that it now supports Android Nougat 7.0. It's not a confirmation that the phone will be updated, but it's not entirely out of the question and is an interesting prospect for Note 5 owners that their phablets might be boosted up to the latest build.

Samsung Galaxy S7 EDGE Nougat Update Landing January 17

Word has emerged that, following a small-batch soak test, Samsung is prepping to push the Galaxy S7 EDGE Android 

Nougat update to a full rollout within the next week. A leaked screenshot (via TheAndroidSoul) appeared first in Spanish, but apparently was a translation from the original message in Turkish, which the site has also sourced.The shot "states it clearly that the stable Samsung Nougat release for its Galaxy S7 Edge (SM-G935F, Europe variant) is destined for January 17. While, the one we deemed fake was in fact a translation from Turkish to Spanish, and some bad copy paste done for some reason," says the report.Curiously, the leak only specifies the EDGE variant of the Galaxy S7 

series and not the flat-screen, regular Galaxy S7 model. However, it's not a huge leap to suppose that both will be updated within a short time span of each other, if not simultaneously, as this is usually how such things go.So, if you own a Galaxy S7 model that is unlocked, be on the lookout for an OTA update from January 17 onwards. If you're on a network locked model then be prepared to wait for carrier networks to run their own testing and update programs, however, and that may yet take some time!

Android Nougat Rollout For Unlocked Galaxy S7 Begins - Vodafone UK Rollout Begins January 23

Multiple reports indicate that unlocked Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 EDGE units have begun receiving Android Nougat (models SM-G930F and SM-G935F) with the build number XXU1DPLT; it's a 1.2-1.3GB file. This is version 7.0.1 of Android Nougat, and not the 7.1.1 build, however. Meanwhile, a post on Reddit reports that a user in contact with Vodafone UK's technical support has heard confirmation that the carrier's Galaxy S7 units will be updated from Monday 23 January.In terms of what the update contains, you're looking at the usual set of optimisation for Samsung's interface, bugfixes, security enhancements and other tweaks. Samsung's also buffed up its Always On Display features, notifications, quick toggles, and apparently enhanced battery performance.

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

HTC Android Nougat Update

HTC did A LOT better than Samsung last year with updates; Android Marshmallow landed on the HTC One M9 in December, just two months after Google’s official release.Unlike Samsung, HTC has A LOT to prove in 2016. The HTC 10 is up against one of the strongest Android lineups in recent memory with the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 EDGE, so the company needs to ensure it delivers the goods with respect to timely Android updates.HTC has confirmed it will be bringing Android Nougat to three of its current handsets — HTC 10, HTC One A9, HTC One M9. HTC confirmed the news via Twitter but annoying did not say when the update would be landing.Some news has emerged on November 14, according to oft-reliable source @LlabTooFer, Android Nougat will land on the HTC 10 in Europe by the end of November or in very early December. As usual, of course, this is likely to apply primarily to unlocked devices, while handsets provided by carrier networks will have to go through the process of being carrier-approved first; that could add a further delay of several weeks or more. Great news! As of November 25 it has been revealed that HTC has begun rolling out the Android Nougat update to unlocked HTC 10 handsets! HTC vice president of product management, Mo Versi, took to Twitter to announce the rollout:"Happy Thanksgiving! HTC 10 unlocked owners will receive Nougat OS update tomorrow morning! Enjoy!"With that said, Versi didn't mention region specifics, perhaps implying by omission that this is a global rollout - in this event we'd expect it to be phased rather than hitting everywhere in one go, so you may still have a small wait depending on where you are.Well this is interesting - as of December 6 it seems unlocked editions of the HTC One M9 will be receiving Android Nougat. HTC's official Twitter account in the US broke the news, with @HTCUSA revealing the following:"Android Nougat will begin rolling out to the unlocked #HTCOneM9starting late this evening. Carrier variants to follow early next year."HTC has begun its Android Nougat rollout for the HTC 10 in January 2017, however, the rollout has been halted due to the emergence of some pretty serious bugs. However, while not official, reliable Twitter source @LlabTooFer has stated that the rollout will resume "within next 3 weeks". The Tweet adds that when it begins rolling again it will include the January security patch."HTC 10 (EU + carrier versions) to get Android N with January security patch within next 3 weeks. Relax and wait."

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

BlackBerry Android Nougat Update

BlackBerry was VERY slow with its Android Marshmallow update, but seeing as the company is pretty much brand new to the whole Android update saga, we’ll cut it some slack.The company is more focussed on securing Google’s platform and refining the overall experience of using the software on its current PRIV model, which is fine — we like what they’re doing. A lot.With this in mind, it is difficult to make assumptions about Android N for the PRIV or, indeed, BlackBerry’s upcoming Android phones. It could do a complete 180º and get the update out in double-quick time, which would be awesome.This isn’t all that likely though, so for now we’ll err on the side of caution and predict a Q2 2017 release for Android N on BlackBerry phones.BlackBerry recently launched the BlackBerry DTEK60 which is a higher-specced version of its very compelling sub-$200 BlackBerry DTEK50 – AKA the most secure Android phone in the world. The DTEK60 has better specs, specs more in-line with today’s flagship handsets, but it runs the same excellent Android build as its predecessors, the Priv and DTEK50.“With the DTEK60, BlackBerry continues to focus on our strengths: state-of-the-art software and security solutions. When you see our logo it means security, from our class-leading enterprise software to devices secured by BlackBerry software,” said Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Mobility Solutions at BlackBerry.

Features available on the DTEK60 include:

• Fingerprint Sensor: For quick and convenient turn on and unlock, the BlackBerry Fingerprint Sensor provides added security for unlocking your phone, accessing Password Keeper and making purchases – including Android Pay. Add up to five fingerprints which are fully encrypted with security you can trust.
• BlackBerry Intelligent Keyboard: DTEK60 has a smart keyboard designed to learn from users and increase typing accuracy and speed. It provides word suggestions as you type and includes up to three languages, letting you flick them into place for faster conversations.
• BlackBerry Hub: This unified inbox is an irreplaceable tool for consolidating all of your messages in one place – whether it is email, calendar, social or phone calls.
• Customizable BlackBerry Convenience Key: With the press of a button, the Convenience Key provides quick access to your most used applications and more.
• Stunning Screen: DTEK60 has a 5.5” Quad HD display, capable of displaying 16 million colors. The screen is made of scratch-resistant glass and features a specialized oleophobic coating to protect against smudges and fingerprints.
• Expandable Memory: With support for micro SD cards up to 2 TB, DTEK60 provides the flexibility to add affordable and hot-swappable memory to download, install, capture and share as your needs evolve.
• Dazzling Camera: DTEK60 is engineered to deliver professional-looking photos with an 8MP front facing camera and a 21MP auto-focus rear camera. Plus, features like Phase Detection Auto Focus and a dual-tone LED flash are designed to help the camera focus instantly and accurately for a blur-free, realistic looking photos, even in low light.
• Long Lasting Battery: DTEK60 packs a 3000 mAh battery with enough power to withstand up to 24 hours of mixed use.
• The device also comes equipped with the security and productivity features that past Android for BlackBerry devices have included:
• Rapid Security Patching: BlackBerry has a record of being the quickest to deliver security patches, setting the bar in incident response and patch management to protect your device from malicious threats.
• DTEK™ by BlackBerry App: Enables users to automatically monitor their OS and apps to know when their privacy could be at risk and to take action to improve it. The DTEK app also monitors applications and notifies you when someone is: taking pictures or videos without your knowledge, turning your microphone on, sending a text message, or accessing your contacts or location.
• Hardware Root of Trust: BlackBerry uses a proprietary technique that adds security from the start, allowing for the tracking, verification and provisioning of the DTEK60.
• Secure Boot Process: Starting with the root of trust, each stage of DTEK60’s secure boot chain must first verify that the next component is fully intact before proceeding, ensuring your device has not been tampered with since the last restart.
• Android OS hardening: BlackBerry provides additional security patches, improves upon Android’s native Address Space Layout Randomization and reduces the number of system applications and services running with elevated permissions. This makes it more difficult for attackers to compromise the OS.
• FIPS 140-2 Compliant Full Disk Encryption: Protects your private information, like pictures or bank information, from being stolen if you were to lose your phone.
• Android™ for Work and Google Play™ for Work: Allows for fast, simple and secure integration with an enterprise environment as well as easy access to numerous rich business and IT-managed apps.
• Full Enterprise Mobility Management Support: DTEK60 supports BlackBerry’s powerful suite of EMM applications and secure productivity solutions, including: WatchDox by BlackBerry for secure file-sharing, Good Work for business-class email and collaboration tools, Strong Authentication by BlackBerry as a VPN solution, SecuSUITE for Enterprise for secure voice and instant messaging communication, BBM Protected for encrypted messaging and BES12 for secure cross-platform management.

BlackBerry hasn't officially discussed its plans for Android Nougat, meaning we’ll likely see updates for its trio of handsets land in either very late Q4 or the first quarter of 2017 at the latest.We’ll update you as soon as we know more, though!

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

LG Android Nougat Update

The LG V20 will be the first Non-Nexus handset to ship with Android Nougat out the box. The LG V20 is now OFFICIAL and you can read all about it RIGHT HERE. 

LG G5 Android Nougat Update Process BEGINS

LG has started delivering Android Nougat to its LG G5 handset. But there is a catch – as of right now it is only available in Korea. LG says customers in the Americas, Asia, and elsewhere will have to wait for theirs to drop “in the weeks to come” – though you can expect network-linked phones to be waiting even longer.Nougat has reportedly begun landing on the LG G5 on T-Mobile's network in the US; it's a 1272.9MB file available OTA which brings the version up to 7.0, and as well as introducing Nougat's attractive features it also adds a bunch of bugfixes, tweaks, and optimisations. The update has already arrived on the US Sprint network at 1.27GB and, as of November 30, another network; US Cellular, has also begun rolling Nougat out to LG G5 units over-the-air, this time designated as build US99223A and weighing in at 1,546MB. Another US network, Verizon, has also now begun updating the LG G5 to Nougat with a 1.6GB over-the-air download. The changelog shows some neat tweaks here, including the replacement of some of LG's applications with stock Google ones.On December 3, Android Nougat has begun landing on LG G5 handsets in Europe and Brazil, according to two tipsters in the respective regions who received the update and informed GSMArena about it. There is a screenshot of the update prompt showing a 1.5GB download dubbed version V20a-NOV-17-2016

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• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

Huawei Android Nougat Update

Huawei has come in leaps and bounds during the past 18 months. It was also one of the first handset makers to get an Android Marshmallow phone out — the AWESOME Huawei Mate 8 shipped with Android 6 during November, just one month after Google released the software.This puts Huawei in very good stead, as it is confirmed to be updating its Mate line at exactly the same time this year — November. If this happens, an entirely plausible potential, then Huawei would have one of the first, save for Google’s Nexus phones, Android N phone on market.Expect the Huawei P9 and Mate 8 to get the same treatment during December at the earliest.On November 16, leaked details have provided some information of when the Huawei Mate 8 will be updated to Android Nougat. The firm has already launched the Mate 9 with Nougat pre-installed, so in many respects it's a matter of Huawei tweaking things to be backwards compatible with the older model. The update has not been rolled out officially for the Mate 8, but it has been discovered uploaded onto Huawei's servers. XDA Developer forum users have downloaded the files and installed them on their Mate 8 units. As well as all the Nougat features and updates, the new version brings a fresh build of Huawei's Emotion UI straight from the Mate 9 (version 5.0). This includes a new app drawer option and better multi-window functionality for multitasking several apps at once on the handset's big screen.On December 1, Huawei has now revealed the extent of its plans for Android Nougat updates. As previously leaked, the company has now confirme that Android Nougat will arrive bundled with version 5.0 of the EMUI software. A specific date has not been confirmed, but Huawei has said Q1 2017 will see a rollout begin for its range of Android devices. Handsets which will be updated include the Huawei Mate 8 and Huawei P9 in the first wave, subsequently followed by the Huawei P9 Plus, Huawei P9 Lite, Huawei Nova, and Huawei Nova Plus.As well as the onboard Nougat improvements, Huawei is bigging up how much more intuitive and secure EMUI 5.0 is, saying that it "significantly cuts down on the number of steps needed to achieve the desired function.""Furthermore, the user can reach 90% of the core functions in just two to three clicks," it added.One beef we've always had with EMUI is being remedied - the platform never had a traditional app drawer, but with the new update you will optionally be able to switch this otherwise standard Android feature back on. Huzzah.According to details leaked on December 6, the Huawei P9 and Huawei Mate 8 may be updated to Android Nougat as soon as December 7. The info is coming out of Huawei's home nation of China where it is claimed internal documents have been seen. It's alleged that a build number B352 for the Huawei P9 and B552 for the Huawei Mate 8 are expected. However, crucially the documents are talking about the release in the Chinese market, so we don't know if we will see a wider rollout at that time of if other global regions will have to wait - possibly the global rollout may occur in Huawei's previously announced target of Q1 2017.

Honor Android Nougat Update

Technically a distinct and separate brand, Honor is in fact made by Huawei and features the same Emotion UI (EMUI) over the top of Google's Android software. Many Honor brand phones also share plenty of features, specs, and design elements from existing Huawei hardware.On December 22, Honor has confirmed that the Android Nougat update will arrive for the current Honor 8 flagship in February. The Honor 8 will be updated with the new 5.0 EMUI and Android 7.0 (so presumably 7.1 will come at a later date).Amongst the changes, the new software adds in a learning algorithm designed to figure out which apps you use most frequently; it'll then optimise your handset's Kirin 950 chip to be more efficient at loading, running, and giving priority to these apps. The phone's power and battery management has also been given an overhaul, so expect to squeeze more juice from a charge. The rest of the UI is identical to the Huawei Mate 9; this also means Honor 8 users will now be able to toggle an app drawer feature on or off, rather than just being left without one.As of January 23, the global rollout of Android Nougat for the Honor 8 has officially begun; a little earlier than planned it seems. The 2.23GB over-the-air update is hitting unlocked units across a handful of Asian countries, starting in Japane, bringing with it the Huawei Emotion UI (EMUI) version 5.0; the same software seen on the Mate 9. The rollout is expected to continue across the world in the coming weeks. Although an official changelog has not yet been seen, Huawei Japan has commented that the update includes a selection of optimisations andstability improvements, as well as enhanced app versatility.

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

Sony Android Nougat Update

Photos of presentation slides have leaked out of Sony's Slovakian branch detailing the company's Android Nougat update roadmap. The firm had already announced which of its Android devices would be receiving the new software, but until now there had been no further info on precisely when users might see the latest software build. Unsurprisingly Sony's current lead flagship models are first in line, with the slide detailing an October target for updating the Xperia X Performance and Xperia XZ. The following month of November will see the Xperia X and Xperia X Compact joining the club. Then in December, the Xperia Z5 series, Xperia Z4 Tablet, and Xperia Z3+ will all be updated too.The Xperia XA and Xperia XA Ultra have the longest wait and will not be updated until the much more vague bracket of "early 2017". We'd hope that might mean January but it could be anytime in Q1.Reports on November 30 

confirm that Sony has officially started pushing Android Nougat over-the-air to Xperia X Performance handsets. The new build is labelled 39.2.A.0.327."The update brings Nougat features that were previously not on Marshmallow such as native support for split-screen windows, some new options in the Sony Camera viewfinder, improved touch sensitivity, auto rotation bug fix (before the patch was released), and improved Stamina mode for extending battery life," reports GSMArena.The update covers two model numbers referring to unlocked handsets, both the US and international variants: F8131 and F8132.As of December 2, reports are rolling in that the Sony Xperia XZ has begun its update process to Android Nougat. GSMArena reports hearing a tip from a user in India who has now had their handset updated, while reports on XDA Developers forum shows that the rollout is occuring in Australia, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Russia. It's a beefy 1GB download over-the-air and it introduces some of Nougat's cool new features such as multi-window multitasking, however, Sony has also tweaked some components of its own UI overlay; the camera app has been improved, as is the phone's Stamina battery saving mode.Sony wants to be the first third-party manufacturer to roll out the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update to its devices, according to reports from XperiaBlog on December 9. The firm's Xperia Concept Development Team has allegedly stated that this is its "number 1 priority". The team said it has the source code for 7.1.1 and is waiting for the GMS application suite and CTS compatibility test suite  from Google, but added that "If you spot any other vendor (excluding Google) releasing this faster than us, prepare your rotten tomatoes!"

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

OnePlus Android Nougat Update

OnePlus has now broken its silence on the subject of Android Nougat; company execs took part in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session and let slip that the Android 7.0 software build was being developed for the OnePlus 3 flagship. Unfortunately, all they said was that the firm is "actively working" on the software and did not give away any details about expected features or a timeline for when it might arrive.In mid-November, head of software at OnePlus, Brian Yoon, has revealed that the OnePlus 3 Android Nougat Beta build will become available during the same month. Speaking to Engadget, Yoon confirmed that the update would be available to OnePlus customers enrolled in its Beta Community project inside November, before a final build is pushed by the end of the year. He also added that older handsets would be updated, including the OnePlus 2, but did not give a timeframe.According to a report from Android Authority, both the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T will be updated to Android Nougat in December 2016.The report states that "both devices will share an update schedule going forward.""Perhaps rather obviously, the company considers them “two versions of the same phone” so any fears of future software support for the OnePlus 3 being dropped can be forgotten," it added. To add further detail, the publication confirmed that the Nougat beta will arrive for the OnePlus 3 in November, before a full launch in December; meanwhile, the OnePlus 3T will NOT be included in the beta program, but will receive the full build alongside the OnePlus 3 in December also.As of November 30, OnePlus has managed to deliver on its promise of the Android Nougat beta landing inside November, but only just! The OxygenOS Open Beta 8, which includes Nougat, can now be downloaded here, as it requires a manual install. The beta update includes new UI features and design for the notifications and settings menu, support for multi-window view and direct replies from notifications, from Google's Nougat build. OnePlus' own tweaks include options for the status bar icons, quick launch for third party applications, and more customisation of the "Shelf" UI feature.Here's the key features list straight from OnePlus:

• Upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat
  • New Notifications Design
  • New Settings Menu Design
  • Multi-Window View
  • Notification Direct Reply
  • Custom DPI Support
• Added Status Bar Icon Options
• Added Quick Launch For 3rd Party Applications
• Improved Shelf Customization

This build will not OTA to current open beta users. You can download the build here:OxygenOS Open Beta 8[Known Issues]

• Android Pay may not work correctly
• Some stability/performance issues
• Incompatibility with TWRP, please use stock recovery.
• After upgrading to Android N, you will not be able to directly downgrade back to M builds. Our customer service team has a special build of Android M that will allow you to downgrade, but this will format your device. If you'd like to flash back to M, please contact Customer Support.

OnePlus also said, "Please keep in mind that this is beta software. This build will not be as stable as our official OTA releases. Given that this is a shift to a brand new version of Android, there may be more bugs in this build than previous Open Beta builds. By installing this update, you accept the potential risks."On December 15, another OnePlus 3 Nougat Beta has been released, dubbed OxygenOS Open Beta 9. The main changes appear to be UI optimisations, but it also expands screenshot functionality, DPI display settings, and improves battery performance, as well as incuding general performance and stability tweaks, and the usual bugfixes. Existing Beta participants will get an OTA update notification, but newbies will need to start from scratch and sideload the build manually.

OxygenOS 4.0.2 Update Beings Rolling Out To OnePlus 3 & OnePlus 3T 

OnePlus has now begun rolling out the new OxygenOS 4.0.2 software update to its OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T; the update is based on the Android 7.0 Nougat platform and includes the 4.0.1 hotfix patch.It'll be an incremental, over-the-air (OTA) update hitting a limited number of devices every day in the coming days and weeks. Primarily, the update includes bugfixes, performance tweaks, and stability improvements. A proximity sensor bug during calls was fixed, as well as a Google Play Store download issue.

• Google Nexus Android Nougat Update
• Samsung Android Nougat Update
• HTC Android Nougat Update
• BlackBerry Android Nougat Update
• LG Android Nougat Update
• Huawei Android Nougat Update
• Sony Android Nougat Update
• OnePlus Android Nougat Update
• Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

Lenovo Moto Android Nougat Update

The former Motorola brand, now owned by Lenovo, will be updated to Android 7.0 Nougat according to new details. The entire Moto Z line, including the Moto Z, Moto Z Force, and Moto Z Play, will be updated, along with the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus. The word comes via a Moto spokesperson speaking to Droid-Life, it was also mentioned that Q4 2016 is the target bracket for the update.As of October 5, Lenovo has posted a full list of all the Moto devices it plans to update to Android 7.0 Nougat."We’re happy to confirm Android 7.0 Nougat is on its way to a lot of our smartphones, we’ll be starting in Q4 with Moto Z and Moto G (4th Gen)," said the firm, on the official Motorola Blog."Are you ready for the sweetest OS update yet? It’s one that speaks your language (particularly if you speak fluent Emoji), offers the ability to seamlessly switch between apps with just a double-tap, more efficient notification controls and improved battery and data saver features."The full list of devices being prepped for an update is as follows:

• Moto G (4th Gen)
• Moto G Plus (4th Gen)
• Moto G Play (4th Gen)
• Moto X Pure Edition (3rd Gen)
• Moto X Style
• Moto X Play
• Moto X Force
• Droid Turbo 2
• Droid Maxx 2
• Moto Z
• Moto Z Droid
• Moto Z Force Droid
• Moto Z Play
• Moto Z Play Droid
• Nexus 6

Following the above announcement of devices being updated, Lenovo has now begun soak testing for the Moto G4 Plus. The Nougat soak test build for the device is rolling out in Brazil with a 953MB file - assuming this small scale testing goes well, expect a wider rollout to follow soon.As of November 22, Motorola has officially announced the global rollout of the Android Nougat update for the Moto Z and Moto Z Force flagships; the firm states that the rollout will begin this week. As well as introucing key new Nougat features and tweaks, and the usual slew of bugfixes, stability, security, and performance enhancements, Motorola highlights the fact that the new update also upgrades the Moto Z and Moto Z Force to be compatible with Google's Daydream View VR headset platform. This makes the Moto Z and Moto Z Force the first third-party handsets to be officially compatible with Google's VR hardware, to date only Google's own Pixel handsets have been compatible, officially.

Here's an excerpt from Motorola's official blog post announcing the update:"Daydream offers an unprecedented opportunity to dive into a kaleidoscope of experiences. With Daydream, you can explore new worlds, attend a sporting event or concert, enjoy your own personal cinema and so much more.""To get started, you’ll need Google’s VR headset and controller - Daydream View - available at Verizon, Best Buy and the Google Store in the U.S. Check your local stores in other markets."It now seems possible some Moto handsets previously confirmed to be receiving the Android Nougat update at some point may skip Android 7.0 and go straight to version 7.1. The Moto X Play has been spotted in the GFXBench database, this is apparently a test unit running Android 7.1 Nougat rather than the 7.0 build. The fourth generation Moto G and Moto Z have already updated to 7.0, but it is possible Lenovo has changed its plans for subsequent updates.On December 15, a Moto Z Play model running Android 7.0 Nougat has received an official Wi-Fi certification. The certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) details a Moto Z Play model designated XT1635-02. The news simply confirms that an update is on the way, but doesn't detail when a rollout might begin.

The European Moto G4 will be getting Nougat inside January 2017, the news has been confirmed by Moto's German Twitter account in response to a consumer question. The response specifically refers to Android 7.0 and states that it will be available by the end of January, though doesn't specify an exacty date. The response also did not mention the Moto G4 Plus at all, but considering both devices are very closely linked and use the same software on mostly similar hardware, it is likely it will arrive on both variants around the same time.The Moto X Play will be updated to Android Nougat in Europe by the end of January, according to a Tweet response from Motorola's German Twitter account. This is of course for the SIM-free version, so those with carrier network locked handsets will have to wait longer.Following the above Moto X Play Nougat update confirmation, the very same German Motorola Twitter account has now also confirmed that the newer Moto Z Play (unlocked units) will also be updated to Nougat by the end of January.

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