Poor software support is probably not the only reason why HTC's smartphone business is... essentially fading away, but the manner in which the company has been handling major Android updates in the last couple of years or so pretty much shatters any customer retention hopes this once-mighty handset maker may be holding on to.
After waiting until March to vaguely promise the high-end U11, U11+, and U12+ would be treated to Pie-flavored goodies "starting Q2 '19", then issuing a slightly more detailed release schedule last month, HTC finally began delivering its first non-stock Android 9.0 update in Taiwan. At that point, the Pie build had already been out for over nine months, but as if the timetable wasn't bad enough, the U11 OS promotion did more harm than good, prompting its manufacturer to quickly pull the plug.
With the over-the-air rollout abruptly halted, we were left guessing how HTC's Android Pie delivery schedule would be affected. Thanks to the company's Japanese arm, we might have an answer today, and it's... not the one you want to hear. On Twitter, HTC Japan is saying efforts are being made to update the regional versions of the U11 and U12+ to Android P "within 2 to 3 months."
HTC's original Android Pie release schedule is pretty much ruined now
That basically means these two not-so-old, not-so-bad devices, the latter of which saw daylight last year powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, could end up making the official, stable move from Android Oreo to Pie afterOS version Q is released, at least for Google-made Pixels. That's not only unacceptable and disappointing, it's outright laughable, but if the alternative is to install updates today that render phones unusable, it looks like you'll just have to wait an additional two to three months.
Of course, there's a chance the HTC U11 and U12 Plus will score the update a little earlier in other markets, but we wouldn't be too optimistic. Clearly, the company won't be able to meet its self-imposed deadlines.
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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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