Xiaomi announces 3 Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches for the 11T and 11T Pro

Xiaomi has jumped on the bandwagon of offering more OS updates for its devices, starting with the 11T and 11T Pro. A few years ago, Google and OnePlus were the only Android OEMs that provided more than two OS updates to their devices, with others frequently only updating their devices once. LG, Samsung and others have since changed their tune, although LG's commitment remains mere words for the most part.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi has adopted a cautious approach with its '3 Android OS updates, 4 years security patches' pledge. Currently, it will not commit itself to delivering this level of software support to any other devices. Xiaomi has not ruled it out either, as it explains in a blog post:   

Though other devices are not included at this time, Xiaomi believes this reflects a positive change, and is catered towards the needs of Xiaomi 11T series users...Xiaomi will also evaluate the possibility of bringing the extended Android system and security upgrades services to more Xiaomi devices.

Xiaomi also quotes Albert Shan, Head of Product & Technology at the company. Shan had this to say about the chances of existing Xiaomi smartphones receiving the same software support as the 11T series:

It is not a simple task for Xiaomi and its team to provide system updates and security patches to all of its previous smartphone models. However, the prospect of this challenge and meeting the desires of our customers is exciting...On the other hand, gradually extending the service life cycle of Xiaomi smartphones is a progressive move that furthers Xiaomi's sustainability and environmental responsibility goals.

In short, it seems that Xiaomi has not decided what devices to which it will offer three OS updates and four years of security patches. Ultimately, Xiaomi's press release does not fill us with hope that many of its current devices will receive another year of OS and security patch updates. However, we would be surprised if Xiaomi did not adopt this update policy for the Mi 11 series, including the Mi 11 Ultra. Presumably, three OS updates will become Xiaomi's new standard going forwards, although probably only on its mid-range and flagship devices.

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