Home
News
You are here

Official: BlackBerry Priv will not be updated to Android Nougat

By Cosmin Vasile

Updated: Sep 10, 2017, 4:17 PM

T-Mobile

AT&T

Verizon

BlackBerry

Android

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

In just a few months, BlackBerry fans will “celebrate” two years since the launch of the Priv, a controversial device that you can either hate or love. Although the smartphone was launched with Android Lollipop on board, the Canadian company offered owners the option to upgrade to Android Marshmallow.

Unfortunately, that will be the last major Android OS update BlackBerry Priv will get, even though the smartphone will continue to receive various security patches in the future.

BlackBerry's General Manager of BlackBerry Mobility Solutions, Alex Thurber confirmed the information during UTB Blogs' #100 podcast. According to him, getting together all the partners needed for such an endeavor would be close to impossible, so BlackBerry Priv will remain on Android Marshmallow until EOL (end of life) status.

On the bright side, Thurber stated once again that the BlackBerry KEYone will receive the new Android Oreo update at some point. Also, future BlackBerry smartphones that TCL plans to release in the coming months will ship with either Android N or O, but in case of the former, they will certainly be upgraded afterward.

As far as the DTEK lineup goes, BlackBerry's official said he doesn't have a clear answer about the chance that the DTEK 50 and 60 will be updated to Android Nougat, but an official statement should go out in the next few weeks.

BlackBerry Priv

source: UTB Blogs via CrackBerry

$719 /mo

$1199

$480 off (40%)

On the Visible+ Pro plan, you get access to 5G Ultra Wideband data on Verizon's fastest network. Along with unlimited roaming across Mexico and Canada, 2 days of Global Pass per month, 3x hotspot speeds, 4K streaming, and Smartwatch service.

Buy at Visible

View Full Bio

Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.