Android 13 is out , but there’s still a long way to go before this version of the operating system reaches your phone.
Today the new version of Android has been released, baptized as Android 13. This thirteenth version – actually it is not the thirteenth, but we do not want to break the magic – integrates functions that leave the functionality of the software like silk compared to other versions . Today Android behaves very smoothly in all aspects. And although the new version has been announced, surely your phone – unless you have a Google Pixel – will not receive an update today… or tomorrow… or in months. In the meantime, there are a few things to know when trying to update your device to the new version of Android.
There are still few brands that have announced a rollout efficiently. Some prefer to catch up with their own layer of customization, while other brands try to catch up with their entire catalog.
Why announce a new Android, if we are not going to have it today?
Before you get mad at your poor smartphone, understand that an update process takes time. This new version is released to update the fastest access devices, such as the Google Pixel. In addition, and thanks to these new options, there are agreements signed by construction companies to avoid fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, and they have “public beta”, and thus fine-tune the software until its final version. This agreement includes equipment from Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo and other brands with high-end models.
Other systems that will benefit from this software will be Android One and Android GO, Android Stock versions for different ranges that are quickly updated from Google servers.
Ok, I will wait for my update. How long will it take?
Better sit down. This is going to take time.
First, Google develops the version. Almost always, the first versions appear at the beginning of the year and it is only aimed at certain developers and technicians. This community is reviewing the news, suggesting changes and reporting errors. These are extremely unstable versions, and that is why they are not massive.
Then the news is announced at events such as Google I/O in California. There the potential of this new version is shown to the world. A public beta is also released, a few weeks before that meeting.
This version comes to release, as well as now. It reaches different compatible computers for download and worldwide. However, there is another path from this point.
Builders get the software. Think of Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, Sony, Motorola, any but a few. They must upload this version to their new catalog, still under construction, to implement the new features in future devices. In addition, they have to retroactively apply this version to their entire existing catalog – or, at least, to their reserved catalog for that update.
Here comes the heavy part for brands, because they must test this version on all phones and their variants by market. For example, there are teams that do not have a radio, but in other countries they do have one for legal reasons. Some devices are very similar, but one has dual SIM and the other does not. This is how the market moves, and you have to test this in each of the teams.
Here, cases of excessive battery consumption, or incompatibility of the camera software with new tools, or problems with the Wi-Fi driver are ruled out. Every detail must be tested before giving the OK. Once all are tested, everything goes well and the homologation work is finished, another path begins.
Mobile operators receive the software for each brand and each phone in the catalogue. Here the homologation tests go through compatibility of antennas, connectivity, operator tools on the system, among others. This adds time to the update. Some computers fail the test and never receive updates. Others, after several months of regional, national and operator testing, receive a massive update in a controlled manner by region. First one country, then the other, and so on until it reaches your phone bought a year and a half ago. Yes, sometimes a year and a half passes.
This is relative to make, model, carrier, and other factors. But, with any luck, your phone gets updated.
No, I don’t want to wait. What can I do?
Here the plot thickens. You can choose some solutions:
Buy a Pixel. Remember that it is not sold in Latin America, but you can get it with local importers, or take advantage of a trip and get one. Updates will always arrive on your phone.
Buy unlocked phones. Although the update is not guaranteed, you will not experience the operator stage when the update is released.
Apply root. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. This allows you to take control of the Android core to install whatever you want: rare versions, ROMs from your computer, everything. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. Already from the unlocking of the boot, your equipment loses the guarantee. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT.
Use an iPhone. Unlike Android, iOS has an enviable system of direct updates. You don’t have to wait between software announcement and software release. Any