Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.
In this post, which will be updated frequently, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.
Update – March 3: Added info on the updates for Sony Xperia Z5 in Japan, the Moto G (2nd generation), Droid Turbo 2, the Galaxy Note 5 on Verizon, and roadmaps for Samsung and Asus.
Update – February 25: Added info on the Nvidia Shield, Korean versions of the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+, versions of the Moto E and Moto G (3rd gen), the ZTE Axon Pro, LG G3 and G4, the first confirmed update for Sony devices, and the honor 7.
Update – February 10. Added info on Sony’s new Marshmallow beta, the update for Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, and the Galaxy S2 custom ROM, Moto G in India, LG G4 variants, and Sprint’s One M9.
Update – February 2. Added info on the updates for the Samsung Galaxy S6, Xiaomi Mi 5, Nvidia Shield, LG G4 and G3, and the Huawei Mate 7.
Update – January 19. Added info on Marshmallow update for various manufacturers and devices including NVIDIA, LG, Motorola, Blackberry, HTC, Samsung, and honor.
...
First release – October 14. Includes links to OTA files and factory images for Nexus and Android One devices; official info on updates for HTC, Sony, and Motorola; rumored and potential devices for Samsung, LG, Huawei, ZTE, OnePlus, and Asus.
Before we start
The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex process, involving Google, chipmakers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that can go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.
Just because your device is listed here as officially announced to receive Marshmallow (or worse, just rumored to get the update), it doesn’t mean that your particular model will receive it in a timely manner, or even at all.
Conversely, just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.
Patience is advised.
See also: Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained54See also: Google releases Marshmallow Quick Start Guide2
Nexus Marshmallow update
On December 7, Google released Android 6.0.1 factory images for Nexus devices. Android 6.0.1 brings a couple of minor features, security fixes, and improved emoji support. Pixel C Android 6.0.1 factory images and binaries became available on December 11.
Google has released Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update. Factory images are available for:
Nexus 6P (MDA89D)
Nexus 6P (MDB08K)
Nexus 6
Nexus Player
Nexus 9 LTE
Nexus 9 WiFi
Nexus 5 GSM/LTE
Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi
Nexus 7 2013 Mobile
The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (both variants), and Nexus 10 will not make the jump to Marshmallow.
If you don’t want to wait, it’s relatively easy to flash a factory image, following our guide:
How to manually install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on a Nexus device (Windows and Linux)
You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which is the update file that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s server. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link. OTA links via Android Police.
Nexus 6 – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 6 (T-Mobile only) – from 5.1.1 LYZ28M to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus Player – from 5.1.1 LMY48N to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 9 LTE – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 9 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48T to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 5 – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 7 2013 WiFi – from 5.1.1 LMY48M to 6.0 MRA58K
Nexus 7 2013 Mobile – from 5.1.1 LMY48P to 6.0 MRA58K
On November 21, T-Mobile’s Nexus 6 began receiving the Marshmallow update.
Android One Marshmallow update
Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. Factory images for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below.
Symphony Roar A50
Cherry Mobile One
Micromax Canvas A1
Karbonn Sparkle V
Spice Dream Uno
MyPhone Uno
Mito Impact A10
Nexian Journey One
To flash these images, you can follow our manual installation guide.
On November 22, an over the air update to version 6.0.1 of Android began hitting some Android One devices. The update appears to be a bug fixing release.
Samsung Marshmallow update
Like with previous versions, Samsung has not made any official announcements concerning the Android 6.0 updates for its smartphones and tablets. We do have however, some off the record information via SamMobile and T-Mobile.
The following devices are rumored to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5 LTE-A
Galaxy S5 neo
Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6 Edge
Galaxy S6 Edge+
Galaxy Note 4
Galaxy Note Edge
Galaxy Note 5
Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
These are all obvious candidates for an upgrade, so we’re pretty confident that Marshmallow will be available for most versions of these devices, sooner or later. As for what to expect from the update, Samsung has an infographic listing some of the features.
On November 16, an unfinished Marshmallow build for the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 leaked out. While the build is rough around the edges, it gives us a glimpse of the visual changes coming to Samsung flagships with the Android 6.0 update. A system dump and a full partition dump are available. Here are some screenshots:
December 2: Curious about what Marshmallow will look like on Samsung’s Galaxy S6? A preview build for a Chinese version of the software leaked online, revealing a generally flattened look, as well as a manual mode coming to the default camera app.
On December 4, a Galaxy Note 4 user in Hungary received Android 6.0 Marshmallow on his device. A screenshot gallery and hands-on video of Marshmallow on the Note 4 are available. The most notable feature spotted in this non-final firmware build is the new Air Command from the Note 5, as well as the ability to write on the screen when the phone is sleeping.
On December 28, one lucky Galaxy S5 owner ended up receiving the update to Marshmallow, though reportedly by accident.
On January 11, a beta of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow began rolling out to the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, available to all of those signed up for the beta program.
The first Samsung device to receive an official Marshmallow update is the Galaxy S6 sold in South Korea. Android 6.0.1 hit the device starting on January 31. Galaxy S6 users in Poland began receiving Marshmallow on February 10.
Galaxy Note 5 beta testers on AT&T received Marshmallow on February 3. Leaked screenshots revealed that the Note 5 will receive the same design updates as the Galaxy S6 (see below).
On February 25, Galaxy Note 5 users in South Korea began receiving Android 6.0.1. On February 24, the same update hit the Korean Galaxy S6 Edge+.
On March 3, Verizon began rolling out Marshmallow for the Galaxy Note 5.
As for what exactly you can expect from the Marshmallow update for the Galaxy S6, here’s our close look at the beta.
An alleged roadmap for the Marshmallow update for Samsung devices leaked out on March 2. While we can’t vouch for its authenticity, the leak claims the Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge will be updated in April, the Galaxy S5 in May, and the Galaxy Alpha in June.
LG Marshmallow update
LG announced it will be the first OEM to roll out Android Marshmallow, starting from next week. There’s a catch: only the LG G4 model sold in Poland will receive this update, with models in other “markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas” to follow.
T-Mobile’s update list also mentions the LG G3 and G4 Stylo, which are obvious choices for an update. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.
The LG G4 models sold in South Korea began receiving the Marshmallow update on November 4.
On November 29, the Android 6.0 update reportedly became available in several European countries, via the LG Bridge PC sync software. These regions are: Portugal, Poland, Romania, GErmany, Spain, Turkey, UK, Croatia, Hungary, and Switzerland. The update is also available in Taiwan. Note that not all carrier versions are available. Even if you are not in one of these countries, it’s worth firing up LG Bridge to check for an update manually.
As for the changes coming to LG devices with the update, some of the bigger ones include: updated Knock Code, App Permissions, redesigned Silent Mode, Peek mode, and some visual changes.
On December 16, LG uploaded the source code of the Marshmallow firmware for the LG G3. That doesn’t necessarily mean an actual update is around the corner, but it’s an encouraging sign.
Sprint users of the LG G4 began receiving Marshmallow on December 18.
On December 31, the LG G3 began receiving Marshmallow in Poland. Verizon began pushing Marshmallow to its version of the LG G3 (LGVS985W) on January 21.
On January 12, Android 6.0 Marshmallow would arrive to the LG G4 on US Cellular, while on February 2, the update hit the G4 sold by Canadian carriers Telus and Rogers. The G4 sold by AT&T and T-Mobile got Marshmallow on February 9 and February 6, respectively.
The LG G3 and LG G4 on Verizon’s network received Marshmallow on February 16.
Motorola Marshmallow update
Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).
2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
2015 Moto X Play
2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)
2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)
DROID Turbo
2014 Moto MAXX
2014 Moto Turbo
Nexus 6
According to a Motorola representative, some users are already testing the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Moto X Pure (Style). That means Motorola is in the late stages of preparing the update for a wider rollout, and hopefully we’re hear something new soon.
On November 12, Motorola kicked off the Android 6.0 rollout for the Moto X (2014) and the Moto X Style. The first markets where the OTA is available are Brazil and India.
On December 2, Motorola announced that Moto X Pure (2015 edition) users in Moto’s feedback program have begun receiving the soak test Android 6.0 update. If all goes to plan, the update should hit the general population in a week from December 2.
On December 9, Motorola announced that Marshmallow is rolling out to Moto X Pure users on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and U.S. Cellular. The update is also coming to the Moto X Style in Latin America. The company said it’s now testing the update for the Moto X Play in Brazil and India, as well as the Moto X Force in Brazil.
Also on December 9, it was revealed that Motorola would update certain versions of the Moto E (2015). Specifically, the update will roll out to the Snapdragon 410 powered versions in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, excluding China. The US is not on the list where the update will be available.
The Marshmallow update for the Moto X (2014) began rolling out in India on December 16 and Europe on December 17.
On December 22, the Moto X Pure Edition (2014) would see Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
On December 24, the Moto G (2015) would receive a Marshmallow update in the United States.
On January 6, Android 6.0 Marshmallow started rolling out for the Moto X Play in India and Brazil.
On January 19, the Moto G Turbo would see Marshmallow in India.
The Moto G (2014) in India got Marshmallow from February 10.
How about some Marshmallow for your watch? Yup, Motorola send out the Android 6.0-based Android Wear update to the Moto 360 (2nd gen) from February 6.
On February 15, the update hit Moto G (3rd gen) variants sold in Europe.
The Moto E (2015) sold in India received its Android 6.0 update from February 18.
The Moto G (2nd generation) got its upgrade to Android 6.0 starting March 1, while the Droid Turbo 2 received the same update from February 29.
HTC Marshmallow update
HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0, and even a timeline. The One M8 and One M9 will see Marshmallow by the end of the year, while the other phones listed below will get the same treatment from early next year.
HTC One M9
HTC One M8
HTC One M9+
HTC One E9+
HTC One E9
HTC One ME
HTC One E8
HTC One M8 EYE
HTC Butterfly 3
HTC Desire 826
HTC Desire 820
HTC Desire 816
After the launch of the One A9, HTC announced the unlocked version of the device will receive “every” Android update within 15 days from the time the update hits the Nexus devices. That’s a very bold promise, and hopefully it’s a sign of bigger things to come.
The HTC One M8 Google Play Edition is the first HTC device to be updated to Marshmallow. The rollout for the device is underway.
On December 2, HTC’s Mo Versi announced on Twitter that the Marshmallow update would hit the HTC One M8 (unlocked) within 24 hours. At the time this post was updated, the rollout has yet to commence, but it will probably become available soon.
On December 7, Mo Versi revealed that the Marshmallow update would hit the unlocked version of the One M9 this month. The One A9, which launched with Marshmallow, will also get the bump to Android 6.0.1 in December.
On December 13, it was revealed that Canadian carrier versions of the One M9 will get Marshmallow in early 2016.
On December 24, the HTC One M9 (unlocked models) would get its update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
On December 28, the unlocked HTC One A9 would receive an update to Android 6.0.1.
On January 13, Marshmallow began rolling out to the HTC One M8 in parts of Asia.
On January 17, HTC announced that Rogers, SaskTel, VideoTron, and Wind in Canada would see Android Marshmallow hit the One M9. Additionally, it was revealed that One M8 users in the US would see Marshmallow sometime around January 25.
On January 18, HTC UK announced the HTC One M8 would get its Android Marshmallow update within 48 hours, with the One M9’s update following “shortly”.
On February 6, Sprint’s HTC One M9 offered users the chance to update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Verizon offered the same update on February 16.
Sony Marshmallow update
Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs.
As for the update itself, Sony is running a beta program with 10,000 users that we hope to learn more about soon. The beta update has begun rolling out on October 19 and Sony supplemented the number of beta invites so more users can join in the fun. On October 28, Sony rolled out an OTA update for the Marshmallow beta.
On November 20, we brought you our hands-on with the Sony Marshmallow concept running on the Xperia Z3.
On December 15, Sony announced the beta program would extend into the new year and that an update will bring Android 6.0.1 to the beta.
Please enable Javascript to watch this video
Sony devices officially confirmed to get Marshmallow:
T Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
Xperia Z4 Tablet
Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4
A note for users of the Sony Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, C4, C5 Ultra, M4 Aqua and M5: according to a Sony support page, these devices will jump straight to Android 6.0, skipping Android 5.1.1.
On December 18, Marshmallow-running versions of the Xperia Z4, Z5, and Z5 Premium were spotted in the WiFi certification database, suggesting that an update is coming sooner rather than later.
On February 11, Sony announced a new beta program for users of the Xperia Z3, Zperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z2 in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The difference between Concept for Android and Xperia Beta Program is that the latter is a “Quality beta test of official software,” while the former is “Experimental consumer driven software.”
Sony UK announced on February 16 that Xperia devices will receive Marshmallow beginning on March 7.
On March 3, the Marshmallow update began rolling out to the Xperia Z5 in Japan.
Huawei Marshmallow update
Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along.
Considering that the Mate 7, Huawei’s 2014 flagship, is yet to receive Lollipop, we wouldn’t hold our breath. That said, a rumor out of China suggests the Mate 7, P8, Honor 6 Plus and more devices will eventually see Android 6.0.
As it turns out, Huawei has proved us wrong. The company announced in would put Marshmallow on the following devices:
Huawei Mate S
Huawei Mate 7
Huawei P8
P8 Youth Edition
P8 Max
Maimagn 4
G7 Plus
G7
honor 7
honor 7i
honor 6 Plus
honor 6
honor X2
honor 4X
honor Play 4C
The honor team, which is technically autonomous inside Huawei, recently announced that a beta build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the honor 7 will be made available in the following weeks.
On December 4, honor put up a form allowing honor users to sign up for the Marshmallow beta program. You can check the form here.
The honor 7 Enhanced Edition launched with Marshmallow on board on December 14.
On January 16, honor announced that the 5X would receive Marshmallow and regular security patches, though no exact timeframe was given. Considering Huawei (and by extension, honor) have a poor history with updates, this is a welcome announcement.
On January 20, Huawei kicked off its Marshmallow beta test for the Mate 7, which only recently received the Lollipop updated recently.
The honor 7 will received the Marshmallow within two weeks, honor announced on February 15.
ZTE Marshmallow update
Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.
On February 22, the update to Android Marshmallow hit the ZTE Axon Pro.
OnePlus Marshmallow update
OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team. Considering that the Oxygen OS team is still busy working on the current, Android 5-based release, the prospect of a Marshmallow release seems remote.
On November 16, OnePlus announced a timeframe for its devices updates:
The original OnePlus One will get Cyanogen OS 13 (from Cyanogen OS) in Q1 2016.
The semi-official Oxygen OS build for OnePlus One will be updated to Marshmallow when "time allows it."
The OnePlus 2 will receive the update to the Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS version in Q1 2016.
No information was given about the Marshmallow update for the new OnePlus X.
Asus Marshmallow update
One sketchy rumor claimed Asus will bring Marshmallow to the Zenfone 2 series, including the Zenfone Laser, Deluxe, and Selfie. It looks like the rumor was at least partially correct, because Asus came out with a short list of devices that will get the Marshmallow update:
PadFone S (PF500KL)
ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML/ZE551ML)
ZenFone 2 Deluxe / Special Edition (ZE551ML)
ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KG/ZE500KL/ZE550KL/ZE600KL/ZE601KL)
ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL)
Missing from the list are the original Zefone 4, 5, and 6, as well as other Asus devices from 2014.
On February 27, Asus clarified that the devices from the list above will get Marshmallow from Q2 (April to June). The good news is Asus added two new devices to its update list: ZenFone Selfie and ZenFone Max. The company also specified that the update will see Asus' own messenging, calendar, and mail app be replaced by Google's respective apps.
Lenovo Marshmallow update
Lenovo finally announced some of its Marshmallow plans on November 6, but the good news ends there. Lenovo only confirmed the update for a handful of devices, and the timeframe for the rollout is painfully long:
Lenovo A7000, A7000 Plus, and K3 Note - update expected by September 2016
Lenovo Vibe P1 and Vibe S1 - update expected by June 2016
On December 3, news about Lenovo's Marshmallow plans surfaced online. The following devices are expected to receive Marshmallow:
China:
K3 Note - March-April 2016
Vibe X3 - March-April 2016
Vibe P1 - March 2016
A7000 - April 2016
Rest of the world:
K3 Note - March 2016
A7000 - April 2016
Vibe P1 - May 2016
Vibe S1 - June 2016
Vibe X3 - July 2016
A7000+ - July 2016
BlackBerry Marshmallow update
BlackBerry only released one Android device to date, and a fast Marshmallow update isn't a priority for the company. The BlackBerry Priv will receive Android 6.0 "sometime into the new year."
On January 6th, Blackberry clarified that the Marshmallow update will hit the device in Q1 2016, though no exact date beyond this has been given.
Nvidia Marshmallow update
On November 17, Nvidia relaunched the Shield Tablet as the Shield Tablet K1. The revamped model runs Lollipop, just like its predecessor, but Nvidia promised an update to Android 6.0 "in the coming months."
On December 15, Nvidia showed off Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on the Shield Tablet K1. The update could roll out ahead of the holidays.
On December 21, the Shield K1 Marshmallow update would arrive, though the older Shield tablet variant was not included in this rollout.
On January 5, the NVIDIA Shield Android TV also started to receive an update to the Marshmallow-based version of Android TV.
The original Nvidia Shield tablet got the update from February 1, but the update was halted almost immediately. The update was resumed on February 18.
On February 22, the Marshmallow OTA rolled out to the Nvidia Shield TV.
Xiaomi Marshmallow update
On December 4, Xiaomi's MIUI operations manager announced on Weibo that Marshmallow would hit the Xiaomi Mi 4 and Xiaomi Mi Note "soon," via an MIUI update. The update began arriving on the Xiaomi Mi 4 on January 22.
Custom (unofficial) Marshmallow ROMs
When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.
The first official CyanogenMod 13 nightlies went live on November 25. Among the devices for which CM13 nightlies are available are the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Nightlies for Android One devices became available on December 10.
Also keep an eye on independent developers – for instance, Dmitry Grinberg has come up with a working Marshmallow ROM for the Nexus 4, and there are also Marshmallow ROM projects for the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 (2012).
Custom stock Marshmallow ROM are available for the OnePlus One and for the LG G4.
It's not a ROM, but the Xposed framework is definitely important to many Android users. On November 10, developer rovo86 announced that the Xposed for Marshmallow is almost finalized.
On December 4, HTC HD2, the seemingly unkillable phone that launched in 2009 running Windows Mobile, has received an unofficial Marshmallow ROM. The legend lives on.
On December 18, an unofficial Marshmallow-based CyanogenMod 13 ROM was announced for the venerable Samsung Galaxy S3.
From February 5, Galaxy S2 users can install CyanogenMod 13 nightlies on their devices.
More info and discussion
For a discussion on all the Android Marshmallow updates, check out the dedicated thread on the Android Authority forums.fds
Missed something? Let us know and we will update this post. Tell us your thoughts!