Google's next generation Nexus handsets are expected to launch soon. It signals the arrival of the search giant's consumer version Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS. Once the new Nexus devices are out in the market, the new Android software will soon be available to handsets from other device makers.
LG has not given any official word about when its current flagship smartphone, the LG G4, will be upgraded to the said software. The same is true for their 2014 flagship, the LG G3, and its LG G2 predecessor.
Google is widely believed to roll out Android 6.0 on late September or October. That is also the timeframe when the upcoming LG Nexus 5X and its larger sibling, the Huawei Nexus 6, are supposedly arriving. Until now, both LG G3 and LG G4 are only upgradable up to Android 5.1 Lollipop and the old LG G2 is stuck with version 5.0.2 Lollipop.
Many LG handset owners are expecting that the South Korean device maker will roll out an update for the current Android 5.1.1 OS since other manufacturers and carriers are done distributing it to their own devices. For instance, Samsung already upgraded its new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge models to the said firmware.
However, a lot of tech observers have been speculating for the past weeks that LG might skip Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and update its LG G series directly to the new Android 6.0 OS. The rumors that the company will be jumping over 5.1.1 Lollipop are fueled by reports by a Greek tech site claiming that the LG G3 and LG G4 smartphones will not be treated with the Android 5.1.1 OS.
If it turns out to be accurate, the move will not be surprising as the company previously skipped other Android updates in the past. LG passed over Android 4.4.4 KitKat and upgraded its then LG G3 flagship directly to Android 5.0 Lollipop.
While the LG G4 and LG G3 are most likely included in the Android 6.0 waiting list, the LG G2 might not be as fortunate. The 2013 LG flagship will supposedly not received and Android M makeover, but it is possible that it will get the current Android 5.1.1 OS in the coming months, according to GSM Arena.
Google's Android Marshmallow OS is slated to provide support for fingerprint reader and USB Type-C port connection among compatible devices. It will also deliver features such as Google's mobile payment system called Android Pay.
"Along with the new platform features like fingerprint support and Doze power saving mode, Android Marshmallow features a new permissions model that streamlines the app install and update process," Android Product Manager Jamal Eason said in an official blog post.
