Google is requiring every Android manufacturer to stay updated

Typically, the story of Android updates goes like this:

1) Google developers update Android with patches;

2) Manufacturers/carriers struggle to get them installed/released;

3) Repeat.

Since seemingly the beginning of Android, manufacturers and carriers have significantly delayed releasing to new updates leading to security issues and fragmentation. Anyone who has ever been on a tech forum knows that this is one of the most effective weapons in the iOS versus Android argument. However, it appears that Google has attempted to legally mandate updates in its contract with manufacturers licensing Android.

In a contract obtained by The Verge, Google appears to be requiring Android licensees to release at least two years of updates for a device with at least four security updates in the first year. The terms stipulate that any device launch after January 31, 2018 that has been activated by more than 100,000 users, and it must be applied to all devices launched after January 31, 2019.

Additionally, all devices must be supplied with patches to fix any security flaws within 90 days of discovery with Google having the option to withhold future licenses from violators. This would ensure that all devices are properly secured within a timely manner.

While there is no guarantee that devices will always be up to date (as the less than 25% adoption of Pie shows), it should ensure that devices are at least properly maintained for security vulnerabilities. With a push for defragmentation and introduction of Project Treble, it is clear that at least Google is trying to shed the reputation of the Android of the past.