The Essential Phone will (probably) receive monthly security updates
At the moment, it's not clear what Essential's policy regarding major software updates is. However, since the company is founded and led by Andy Rubin - the father of Android - we're expecting the Essential Phone to get major updates for at least two years after launch (this being the current policy of major Android vendors).
The Essential Phone will be available only in the US (at least for the beginning), and it's going to be sold unlocked for $699. We're impatiently waiting to test its hardware and software. What about you?
Hi, our goal is monthly security updates. We don't have any other specific information to share right now. Thanks for asking.
— Essential (@essential) May 31, 2017
source: Essential (Twitter)
Things that are NOT allowed: