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HTC and Security Updates

Right now I have a Google Huawei Nexus 6P, support for it will end this October (thanks google). I am considering jumping ship to HTC due to a few things: Sense being very Stock-ish, Speakers, and Optics. I am curious on how HTC's reliability is with Android Security Updates. I am aware on the full version changes (6.0 -> 7.0 -> 7.1) it will be nowhere near as fast as I am used to, but I am very curious about HTC's track record with providing timely security updates and how long they tend to support their phones.

@anthonyjc2010 said:
I am very curious about HTC's track record with providing timely security updates and how long they tend to support their phones.
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Better than average OEM, but still not great. They tend to keep their flagships alive for at least two years, e.g. HTC One m9 released in March of 2015 is still being updated but I highly doubt it will get Android O.
My EMEA unlocked One m9 is currently on Nougat 7.0 with security patch February 1st, and EMEA unlocked HTC 10 Lifestyle is on Nougat 7.0 with security patch December 1st 2016. Carrier's versions in Europe are usually updated shortly after Unlocked, that rule does not apply to USA.
TL;DR: If you want bleeding-edge updates Pixel is the only way to go; if not, then HTC is fairly reliable*.
*applies only to flagships, HTC abandoned some of their budget devices shortly after release.

buttie said:
Better than average OEM, but still not great. They tend to keep their flagships alive for at least two years, e.g. HTC One m9 released in March of 2015 is still being updated but I highly doubt it will get Android O.
My EMEA unlocked One m9 is currently on Nougat 7.0 with security patch February 1st, and EMEA unlocked HTC 10 Lifestyle is on Nougat 7.0 with security patch December 1st 2016. Carrier's versions in Europe are usually updated shortly after Unlocked, that rule does not apply to USA.
TL;DR: If you want bleeding-edge updates Pixel is the only way to go; if not, then HTC is fairly reliable*.
*applies only to flagships, HTC abandoned some of their budget devices shortly after release.
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Does HTC release the OTA's for the unlocked device?
I guess official RUU's will be available since it's not a VZW restricted device?

fuzzynco said:
Does HTC release the OTA's for the unlocked device?
I guess official RUU's will be available since it's not a VZW restricted device?
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Click to collapse
HTC US does not officially release the US Unlocked OTAs, but links to them get captured and posted here on XDA and the zips also get re-hosted on AFH. US Unlocked RUUs are usually posted by HTC US a bit after the corresponding OTA starts rolling out, but again the links are guessed ahead of time and RUU executables as well as RUU zips and decrypted firmware are posted. The threads are already here.
VZW RUUs are more like RUUs for non-US markets - RUU zips usually become available from unofficial sources. Obviously, there is no Verizon firmware for U11.
---------- Post added at 11:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:08 PM ----------
@anthonyjc2010 said:
I am very curious about HTC's track record with providing timely security updates and how long they tend to support their phones.
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Judging by post-Nougat HTC 10, US Unlocked gets security updates relatively frequently, maybe every other month. Other regions are SOL, still stuck on January.

buttie said:
Better than average OEM, but still not great. They tend to keep their flagships alive for at least two years, e.g. HTC One m9 released in March of 2015 is still being updated but I highly doubt it will get Android O.
My EMEA unlocked One m9 is currently on Nougat 7.0 with security patch February 1st, and EMEA unlocked HTC 10 Lifestyle is on Nougat 7.0 with security patch December 1st 2016. Carrier's versions in Europe are usually updated shortly after Unlocked, that rule does not apply to USA.
TL;DR: If you want bleeding-edge updates Pixel is the only way to go; if not, then HTC is fairly reliable*.
*applies only to flagships, HTC abandoned some of their budget devices shortly after release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I wanted the bleeding edge of updates I would stay go with the xl version of the pixel coming this October (when support for my phone ends, again... thanks Google). I honestly don't want a Pixel for various reasons, that is why I am looking at HTC. My only concern is security patches. I find it concerning that the 10 Lifestyle (Basically HTC 10 but with 3gb of RAM and a Snapdragon 625... right?) is still on December 1st 2016, but maybe Europe is just behind...
Oh, and I am not in the market for a budget HTC phone... besides in the US the only phones we can buy from HTC's website (that I can see) are the HTC U11, HTC U Ultra, HTC 10, HTC Bolt (so the flagships and their larger, lower spec'd counterparts). And I would never get a phone carrier locked (flashback to the days of using a Verizon locked android phone *shivers in terror*).

I probably misworded what I asked.
I meant is, if I am on a bring your own setup, (U11 on Verizon for example), who offers for OTA the patches and updates?
It seems to me Verizon woudn't its not their software. Would Google or HTC?

fuzzynco said:
I probably misworded what I asked.
I meant is, if I am on a bring your own setup, (U11 on Verizon for example), who offers for OTA the patches and updates?
It seems to me Verizon woudn't its not their software. Would Google or HTC?
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HTC, since you'd be using the US Unlocked version of U11.

HTC seem to be very poor at releasing security updates to be honest.
The only real vendor that actually does it monthly appears to be Google themselves or a 3rd party like Lineage.

Electronic Punk said:
HTC seem to be very poor at releasing security updates to be honest.
The only real vendor that actually does it monthly appears to be Google themselves or a 3rd party like Lineage.
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Currently using the Xperia X Compact until the U11 comes out and they've done a monthly update since release. Sony is pretty great about it now.

Got a Sony tablet and they have been pretty quick at updates on that (despite dropping Tablets from their lineup) but I don't get monthly updates tho

everdred said:
Currently using the Xperia X Compact until the U11 comes out and they've done a monthly update since release. Sony is pretty great about it now.
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this just sounds anectodal. One device getting a update is no guarantee the rest of the devices will get it.
Frankly, all OEM's are as bad. Sometimes they are better, sometimes not. My 10 still has Jan patch and android 7.0. Not that i think u there is anything wrong with the current software, and security is quite vague. I dont know of a single instance where people has been exposed to risks or data loss because of a old patch level.
Often people download bad apps and thats just like windows, if you download trojans there is nothing htc or google can do for you.

Electronic Punk said:
HTC seem to be very poor at releasing security updates to be honest.
The only real vendor that actually does it monthly appears to be Google themselves or a 3rd party like Lineage.
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Click to collapse
Very poor compared to who ? Maybe Google on the pixel series but pretty much no other. Look at Samsung they take 6 months to get system updates if not longer. Htc has in the past promised system updates with in 90 days. I do not think its fair to call Htc's updates system or security to be poor. Calling Samsungs poor would be more correct and honest.

DirtydAmbrose said:
Very poor compared to who ? Maybe Google on the pixel series but pretty much no other. Look at Samsung they take 6 months to get system updates if not longer. Htc has in the past promised system updates with in 90 days. I do not think its fair to call Htc's updates system or security to be poor. Calling Samsungs poor would be more correct and honest.
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You mean the S7 with April security updates, the S8 with its May ones.
LG are also on April.
Can call it pretty poor with EMEA being on January.

Electronic Punk said:
You mean the S7 with April security updates, the S8 with its May ones.
LG are also on April.
Can call it pretty poor with EMEA being on January.
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My Note 5 received the May security update a couple of days back. They always seem timely with the security updates, it's the general updates that take longer. I only received Android 7 a couple of months ago on it.

A timely article:
https://www.androidcentral.com/just...-months?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
These models have security updates from the last 2 months, although it can't be strictly true.

My mom's Sony Z5 (E6653) is not receiving any update for month... last was Android 7.1.1 with Security Update from September 2017.
My wife's HTC U11 is on Android 8.0 with November 2017 Security.
So I can't recommend any of those company's.
But Samsung is not better - when your mobile gets older > 2y your out of support....
This situation is really poor - hope it get better with Android 8.

What is actual Security Patch Level 617 and 401?

Hi,
I consider to change my wife's CID from original 111 TMO to at least 401 or may 617 (contains 617 ROM for the A9 German as language? On my old M9 it does not). Reason is that it stucks in 7.0 security patch Level December 2016 -unbelievable!
There are so much Patches missing, Bluetooth, WPA2...
So what are the latest Patchlevel for 401 and 617, please?
Best regards
I have tried some things by myself.
Changed MID & CID for .617 BS_US001, but have NOT German Language (wife punished in my face ) and habe Patchlevel 08/2017
So I have flashed .401 HTC__001 after changing MID back and CID to HTC__001, I have Patchlevel 2/2017
Not really better, Bluetooth and WPA2 krack not solved! And THIS is a HTC One?
Why to buy a premium Mobile if it does not getting updates? So I can buy a mobile in China for some Bucks which is also not updated.... :-/

I go for Lineage OS for that reason (security patch). And phone work better ! (i simply re-install HTC camera)

For software numer 2.18.617.41, the Android Security Patch Level is August 1, 2017 which seems to be latest as of today; version is still Android 7.0.

2.18.617.56 was released a few days ago with November Security Patch
LBN1 said:
For software numer 2.18.617.41, the Android Security Patch Level is August 1, 2017 which seems to be latest as of today; version is still Android 7.0.
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Groby said:
Why to buy a premium Mobile if it does not getting updates? So I can buy a mobile in China for some Bucks which is also not updated.... :-/
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https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/25/htc-one-a9-android-update-promise/
When HTC launched the One A9, it promised to roll out new versions of Android "within 15 days" of their release. Pretty sweet, right? Well, it would be -- but that's not happening with Android 7.0. In a tweet, HTC said the new software will be hitting the HTC 10 in the fourth quarter of 2016, followed by the unlocked One M9, the unlocked One A9 and their carrier counterparts. The timeline suggests that the company will be breaking its promise with the One A9 -- Google released Nougat on August 22nd, meaning the phone would need to receive it by September 6th.
We reached out to HTC, and a spokesperson told us: "With the excitement around Android Nougat, we're aligning engineering resources around our most popular flagship products where the most customers will benefit." It's a shame, because the One A9 is a decent little phone. Admittedly, it's not a top-tier powerhouse like the HTC 10, but it's still capable.
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That was when they broke their promise with quick updates. So basically HTC did not sell enough A9 phones and now they don't even bother.
Just the Flagships get some update attention from them. Situation is even worse now since Google bought all capable developers out of HTC.

Very sad about this -the A9 is a very good phone, but gets unlikely with such a bad support. And it was not the first time HTC dissapointed customer. And wondering later why so much people buy from other companys. I really like the phones, ideas and inventions -but if they are "old" after a couple of weeks.....
A man - a word! Why not a company - a word!? Get reliable again, please!

There any update after December

Let me ask one question.
I have no any OTA update over 6 months.
Which build no is the latest for U11 india CID 060
My android security patch is 1 Dec 2017.
Is there any update??
I havent root.
My software no is 2.24.400.3

winkhant said:
Let me ask one question.
I have no any OTA update over 6 months.
Which build no is the latest for U11 india CID 060
My android security patch is 1 Dec 2017.
Is there any update??
I havent root.
My software no is 2.24.400.3
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Click to collapse
Heh.
I'm November!

Me too November.

There is no update so far. They told on Twitter, at least one guy from HTC, that they like to bundle updates to a bigger maintenance update. It was a response to the claim that the HTC U11 would be abandon ware, but so far I never heard again of any announcement of an update.

HTC U Ultra - 1 February 2018
HTC U11 - 1 November 2017
Where is the problem, other brands have a security update on 1 June 2018 ?
Supports blizzards ...

1st November 2017.
I have a dream of atleast one update before 1st November 2018.
winkhant said:
Let me ask one question.
I have no any OTA update over 6 months.
Which build no is the latest for U11 india CID 060
My android security patch is 1 Dec 2017.
Is there any update??
I havent root.
My software no is 2.24.400.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

pbaudis said:
HTC U Ultra - 1 February 2018
HTC U11 - 1 November 2017
Where is the problem, other brands have a security update on 1 June 2018 ?
Supports blizzards ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me complete that list:
Htc10 - April 2018

Since HTC moved(sold) almost all devs to Google what do you expect? I've sold my U11 and will never go back to them. It's a shame as HTC used to be the most fluid and stable Android experience. Well, not anymore.

The HTC U11 has Android 8.0.0, just lacking security updates, so I do not see why the HTC U11 sells, it does not have a logic. The HTC U11 is still a very good phone.

ixman said:
Since HTC moved(sold) almost all devs to Google what do you expect? I've sold my U11 and will never go back to them. It's a shame as HTC used to be the most fluid and stable Android experience. Well, not anymore.
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Sucks but I just do not see the value in personally dumping more money into a company that may not be in the NA market come say 2020 or even 2019. Even with the cash infusion from Google the company's financial health is poor and it does not help that reviewers for the HTC U12+ have given the phone lukewarm reviews.

CXTKRS1 said:
Sucks but I just do not see the value in personally dumping more money into a company that may not be in the NA market come say 2020 or even 2019. Even with the cash infusion from Google the company's financial health is poor and it does not help that reviewers for the HTC U12+ have given the phone lukewarm reviews.
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I agree. HTC make very good phones in my opinion. It is not just about that is it though? We've all see the stories about getting screen replacements (costs, time involved) and if they are not making any effort to keep their phones updated with the latest security updates then people are just going to buy something else.
As much as I like my U11 I do not think I'll be buying another HTC phone because the after-sales service is literally non-existant, and if I ever do have a problem with my phone I do not want to be jumping through hoops to get it resolved.

mightywhites29111971 said:
I agree. HTC make very good phones in my opinion. It is not just about that is it though? We've all see the stories about getting screen replacements (costs, time involved) and if they are not making any effort to keep their phones updated with the latest security updates then people are just going to buy something else.
As much as I like my U11 I do not think I'll be buying another HTC phone because the after-sales service is literally non-existant, and if I ever do have a problem with my phone I do not want to be jumping through hoops to get it resolved.
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I sent my phone for repair in January for Bluetooth issues, they blamed me for cracked screen and glass back. I refused to pay and 6 months later they offered me a brand new one. I don't want to go through that again.

Personally I had this sort of issue before with HTC and I bought the U11 which proves HTC still fail at delivering timely updates to their phones.

Mine is on 1, December, 2017

I have 1.November 2017. Support promises 2 months security update and 8 months without update. It is bad. Unfortunately, I love HTC phones. [emoji106][emoji25]
Odesláno z mého HTC U11 Ice White

I had high hopes for the U11 and the updates were so slow.. so I have sold in october 2017... sorry HTC, you lost me.
phone was great though....

I have written to support that if it's not a month's new security update, I'm leaving HTC.

Updated to 2.42 today and Android P should be coming out sometimes this month for U11 users.

CXTKRS1: Will today update HTC U11 version 2.42 for Europe ? Or did I misunderstand and if so, how do you know ?

CXTKRS1 said:
Updated to 2.42 today and Android P should be coming out sometimes this month for U11 users.
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Click to collapse
Update to Android P for this month seems to me very unlikely ... maybe October November may be ...
Begin to update the pacht in europa ferme in November 2017.ianto:: rolleyes:

Pixel 3a Still on March security patch with not update soon...

I got the New Pixel 3a yesterday.Is a great phone but Bring to my attention still in March security patch,this is supposed to get the updates quickly right like all Pixels? I'm confused about Google put this phone in the side regarding updates and not as fast and the regulas Pixels

Deleted

the phone literally just came out. they have been sitting around in a warehouse for a few months. so it will prob not see an update this month, but we should see next months and everyone after that. not really a huge deal, so calm down.

cubano2031 said:
I got the New Pixel 3a yesterday.Is a great phone but Bring to my attention still in March security patch,this is supposed to get the updates quickly right like all Pixels? I'm confused about Google put this phone in the side regarding updates and not as fast and the regulas Pixels
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Click to collapse
March is the latest on Google APIs for Android page for these new devices. Looks like Google hasn't gotten any update ready for publishing yet. I've owned 8 Nexus devices and none received updates immediately; however, Google would publish them with APIs within a week of release so keep checking that site if you don't get a notification on your phone.

Just read this: "Google has confirmed to 9to5Google that the Pixel 3a will be getting an update to combine the April, May, and June security patches together on June 3rd. "

Pixel 3a security patches and Android Beta Program
I owned the Pixel 3 (sold it to a friend) and received security patch updates the day of release. I too am disappointed about not getting a security patch until June. Also, the 3a cannot be enrolled in the Android Beta Program until June as well. Sure it's not a big deal, but frankly I purchased the less expensive version expecting the same treatment as the Pixel 3. I would have passed on the phone for now had I known that.

KershawB475 said:
I owned the Pixel 3 (sold it to a friend) and received security patch updates the day of release. I too am disappointed about not getting a security patch until June. Also, the 3a cannot be enrolled in the Android Beta Program until June as well. Sure it's not a big deal, but frankly I purchased the less expensive version expecting the same treatment as the Pixel 3. I would have passed on the phone for now had I known that.
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Click to collapse
It's only a few weeks. What's the big issue? You would have passed because the security update was 2-3 weeks away?
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

jmtjr278 said:
It's only a few weeks. What's the big issue? You would have passed because the security update was 2-3 weeks away?
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Agreed. I understand the premise of questioning the installed software, one of the promises with these devices is after all always being up to date. On the other hand they had to lock in the firmware when they went into production and will be fully updating the phone within weeks of it's release. That's about as good as can reasonably be expected.

I was surprised the phone shipped with the March update with no immediate updates but I'm okay with that. Not a deal breaker for me.
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

We'll be on the same page as everyone when June comes out.

Question June’s Android 13 QPR3 update with the next Pixel Feature Drop is late

Given that two out of the last three updates arrived late, we’re not too surprised that Android 13 QPR3 with the June 2023 security patch and the next Pixel Feature Drop is not yet out.
Historically, Google releases Pixel security patches on the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. In March, Android 13 QPR2 rolled out a week late, while the Verizon variant for the Pixel 6 and 6a series took another seven days. Despite being a more minor update, the same thing happened in April. Things went back to normal last month, but the delay has now returned.
As of 10:30 a.m. (PT), the stable release of Android 13 QPR3 has not been announced. We do, however, have the Android Security Bulletin—June 2023. There are 23 security issues resolved in the Android 13 June patch dated 2023-06-01 and 34 for 2023-06-05. Google warns that:
There are indications that CVE-2022-22706 may be under limited, targeted exploitation.
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The vulnerability relates to ARM Mali GPUs and has a “high” severity.
It comes as the Android 13 QPR3 Beta Program was quite sporadic. Beta 1 arrived in mid-March and Beta 2 went out after only two weeks compared to the usual month-long wait. Beta 3 followed three weeks later with Beta 3.2 being the last release in mid-May.
Android 14 might have played a role given the close release cadence, while another factor might be how the Pixel Tablet and Fold are launching with Android 13 QPR3.

Can't say I'm surprised.

AnierinB said:
Can't say I'm surprised.
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If it means patching bugs before it's released, I'm OK with it

They are waiting for Apple to allow them to release.

Feature drop?
Latest March feature drop brought to pixel 7 devices stunning new features.
This...
"March Feature Drop
On the Pixel 7 series, two eSIMs can be used for Dual SIM Dual Standby, and there’s also support for T-Mobile 3CA, as well as 5G for the Pixel 6a and 7/Pro in India."
And as I remember, also this small change: "Google has also replaced the battery percentage in Quick Settings with a remaining day/hour or “Until hh:mm” estimate."
Wow, I was speechless with the big amazing list of new features dropped to our Pixel 7 devices.
Now, 3 month later, new Pixel devices feature drop, and looking to latest betas, I'm able to say, Google should do a small change, and change the name from Feature Drop to Drop Feature, because, one of the new feature that arrived in March, maybe will be removed, because it was already removed on beta.
The return of the battery percentage in quick settings.
Let's see what Google bring to us!