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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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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.
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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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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!

does the HTC U11 plus receive updates?

Hi I understand that the HTC U11 plus has treble support which is supposed to help it with updates and security updates, do owners of the handset see it is being updated monthly like the Nokia phones or that its security updates stuck without any support?
Thank you

Still on December 2017 for security update..
There was an update about 2 weeks ago, however the notification bug still isn't resolved.
Sent from my HTC U11 plus using Tapatalk

matty538 said:
Still on December 2017 for security update..
There was an update about 2 weeks ago, however the notification bug still isn't resolved.
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I wonder Wasn't the treble support meant to facilitate the process of updating the phone? If its stuck with the December security patch then what's the point of the partitioning... I think it's shameful for HTC unless there's another way to look at it?

emmanuelw said:
I wonder Wasn't the treble support meant to facilitate the process of updating the phone? If its stuck with the December security patch then what's the point of the partitioning... I think it's shameful for HTC unless there's another way to look at it?
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yep, no updates really.
Nokia on the other hand keeps on sending updates with impressive timing - every month there is a security update

ok I had a chat with an HTC representative and he said that HTC releases security patches on a MONTHLY BASIS for the U11+ and the problem could be with UK versions of the phones, he said if people have an IMEI number he can check more relvant information, I don't know if it's something which people share freely but if someone is willing to share with me their IMEI (maybe on private?) I will go back to the representative and bug them for an answer why are there no security updates

emmanuelw said:
Hi I understand that the HTC U11 plus has treble support which is supposed to help it with updates and security updates, do owners of the handset see it is being updated monthly like the Nokia phones or that its security updates stuck without any support?
Thank you
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mine is still on dec 2017. im really disappointed i dumped my oneplus 5t and bought this device .

Mine as well still Dec 2017. Feels like HTC aready abandoned the device.
Seems like this was the first and last device I bought from them.

It looks like HTC had once again abandoned its loyal users.
Too bad, like you said it will be the last device from HTC for me

Hi thank you everyone. Is anyone willing to contact HTC support and ask them what's going on with the updates? When I tried contacting them I had no device so couldn't get the full help, they claim that they DO update their devices and receive the latest security patches from Google... Maybe its different outside Taiwan?

Several OTA update receaved here (EU) for my U11+

audiavant said:
Several OTA update receaved here (EU) for my U11+
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Several, as in more than one? I've got only one in 3 months and thats with an EU model and in the same country as you.
It would be interesting if you could document "several OTA's".

audiavant said:
Several OTA update receaved here (EU) for my U11+
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what is your security patch level - Apr 2018????
I m from Malaysia and still with Dec 2017 patch. I have also send to HTC requesting to release latest update as soon as possible, unfortunately they respond with the guide how to update and the guide to use sync manager. I guess HTC Support just trying to push me away with the guides. I have the impression that HTC Support thinks that all users are none technical and doesn't know how to use their phone. The impression i am getting is no updates coming soon for HTC.

Two times but can see that security patch level still are Desember 17

Htc is doing everything to get us away from them in the future.....and I thougt LG has a poor support...
Poslano z mojega HTC U11 plus z uporabo Tapatalk

Nothing to do with EU or HK variant of the phone , it's HTC being poor with updates. Last time I contacted support they said the latest update would fix the notification bug.. It didn't!
In the UK I read a news article about how poor HTC were with security updates, think they were one of the worst companies for failing to update.
I've had HTC phones for 12 years, brand loyalty if you will, however this will be the last. HTC market their phones as premium, they even charge premium prices yet the support is some of the worst and it's not getting any better.
Sent from my HTC U11 plus using Tapatalk

I hope HTC doesn't ditch the device as U12 is coming soon. I bought this with the hope that HTC will at least send security updates. I have the phone bought in India, made in Taiwan, running 1.24.200.4 and still on Dec'17 security patch. Didn't expect this to happen on flagship phone.

Man definitely my last HTC device. I am simply waiting for a better device than this but at the moment nothing is better in my opinion especially with the ugly notch phone designs and pricing. I will be definitely back to a Google device, the longest device I ever owned was the Nexus 6p and that's because of the developer support and system updates.
One more thing, I will never own an lcd screen device, I have a light bleed which is pissing me off and can't unsee with every boot of the device. My model is a HK model and I am not staying there so I can't send it for maintenance. By the way I am still on December security update which is a bummer, this device has potential but HTC is screwing up our experience with it. How do they expect future buyers to buy their devices if they can't listen or satisfy their current ones?

Contacted support to ask about the lack of updates. Here is their full reply (translated to English of course):
As soon as an update becomes available, the device will load it. Users cannot update the device manually. Please be patient.
That's it.
I guess that also answers whether they will ditch the device with the U12...

MrDarkwhite said:
Contacted support to ask about the lack of updates. Here is their full reply (translated to English of course):
As soon as an update becomes available, the device will load it. Users cannot update the device manually. Please be patient.
That's it.
I guess that also answers whether they will ditch the device with the U12...
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Thanks for the update, when I got this device I expected the lack of updates so I am not that shocked, I don't care that much for security updates but I do for major updates like Android P and after, I think I will hold on until Android P and then "Hasta la vista baby" ?

I got maybe 3 or 4updates since Jan 2018. These are enhancements but no one here knows I think what's inside. No change log was given in updates. Security wise - we are still on December and 8.0.
HTC were never famous for speedy updates. They tried and failed. On the other hand, U11+ is not a flagship. It's 11 and a half product and as such it does not seem to have a lot of attention from HTC. You will be better waiting for U12 if you want HTC...

8.1 or 9.0?

I noticed that my US Unlocked HTC U11 hasn't been updated since January of 2018. So my question to you guys is, should HTC update the U11 to 8.1 or 9.0? What is your opinion/reasoning?

mammothjojo88 said:
I noticed that my US Unlocked HTC U11 hasn't been updated since January of 2018. So my question to you guys is, should HTC update the U11 to 8.1 or 9.0? What is your opinion/reasoning?
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Not too sure, most likely will be significantly delayed due to the fact that HTC is undergoing massive changes like Google buying half of their staff, and such. However, HTC should provide security patches at the least because those are important, and I'm also stuck on 1 November 2017. But don't expect too much from them as of now. It most likely that they will just give us Android P and security updates. No need to go to 8.1 then 9.0.

U11 Firmware / Security Patch Update ???

Hi All, It has been quite some time since HTC update anything of the U11. Are they planning for an update of Android firmware or they have forgotten about U11?

Support in the Czech Republic claims that the HTC U11 will be upgraded, but does not know when and how, unfortunately. I'm also waiting for a miracle.

They said that it's gonna go streight to 9.0 ,, We will for sure god 9.0 and even more ! Htc in past had at least 3 big updates..

punisher195 said:
They said that it's gonna go streight to 9.0 ,, We will for sure god 9.0 and even more ! Htc in past had at least 3 big updates..
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Mmm... I do not think that. For the last two years, htc have pushed two big updates (see the m9 and htc10). This is the standard with the flagships (htc, Sony, Samsung, LG...).
Htc cannot leave the u11 with November patch until... September, October?? They have updated the Ultra with February's patch and the htc10 with April's patch... And the u11+ and u12+ are receiving updates this days with June's patch.

Pantumaca said:
Mmm... I do not think that. For the last two years, htc have pushed two big updates (see the m9 and htc10). This is the standard with the flagships (htc, Sony, Samsung, LG...).
Htc cannot leave the u11 with November patch until... September, October?? They have updated the Ultra with February's patch and the htc10 with April's patch... And the u11+ and u12+ are receiving updates this days with June's patch.
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Possible
Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk