Not fair: Fairphone 4’s next big Android update postponed until 2025

It seems like Fairphone 4 customers hoping for an Android 14 improve this 12 months should maintain off a bit longer, as Fairphone has introduced a delay within the rollout. Launched initially with Android 11, the Fairphone 4 was due for an Android 14 replace by the tip of this 12 months. Nevertheless, a current replace from an organization consultant signifies that customers could not see it till someday subsequent 12 months.

For these unfamiliar, Fairphone is a novel participant within the smartphone market, dedicated to sustainability and moral manufacturing practices. The corporate is well-regarded for its clear strategy to sourcing supplies and its dedication to producing telephones that last more than the common lifespan of many different units. In an trade the place frequent upgrades and disposability are sometimes the norm, every Fairphone mannequin is designed to be repairable and supported for prolonged intervals.

A Fairphone worker posted the next update on the corporate’s neighborhood discussion board:

Hello all,

UPDATE: Sadly, we gained’t be capable to roll out the Android 14 replace for Fairphone 4 customers simply but. There are some points now we have run into for which we’ll want Qualcomm’s assist on. That is taking slightly longer than we anticipated. Because it stands, we don’t see the replace rolling by in 2024. Hopefully, we should always know extra by early subsequent 12 months. We’re actually sorry about this sudden improvement, and we’re working around the clock to get it out as quickly as doable.

Thanks once more on your persistence.

The Fairphone 4, launched in 2021 with Android 11, acquired the Android 13 replace final fall. Concurrent with the Android 13 replace, Fairphone prolonged the gadget’s assist window by a 12 months, from 2026 to 2027, promising customers updates by Android 15.

In the meantime, homeowners of the newer Fairphone 5 already obtained the Android 14 replace earlier this 12 months, which introduced in a lot of new options. With Android 14, Fairphone 5 customers take pleasure in a refreshed interface that features a default darkish mode, higher customization of the Again and Current buttons, and an enhanced six-digit PIN choice for higher safety. Different updates embody extra transparency in app knowledge permissions, refined quantity controls by break up sliders, and a flash notification choice for alerts.

These updates give a style of what Fairphone 4 customers can anticipate as soon as Android 14 arrives for his or her gadget. Fairphone has assured customers that it’s working diligently to expedite the replace course of and goals to offer additional data early subsequent 12 months.