Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop Release: What We Know So Far

As we move away from the Android 5.0 Lollipop launch date, Nexus 5, Nexus 10, Nexus 7, and Nexus 4 users are starting to get a bit anxious. Today, just ahead of the rumored Android 5.0 Lollipop release date, we want to breakdown everything we know, so far, about Google’s Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop update pipeline.

Google’s Android L update was announced as Android 4.4 KitKat’s successor in June at Google I/O 2014. At the event, Google did not confirm an Android L release date or name though it did outline many of its features and release a pre-release version to select Nexus devices. In the weeks after the early beta release, we saw features teased and release dates rumored and earlier this week, Google finally spilled the beans on Android L.

As expected, Android L is called Android 5.0 Lollipop. The update will be accompanied by two new Nexus devices including a Nexus 9 from HTC and a Nexus 6 from Motorola. Both devices will help usher in a new era for Google and its Android operating system. Problem is, Google still hasn’t confirmed a specific Android 5.0 Lollipop release date for owners of older Nexus smartphones and tablets.

Earlier this month, the company confirmed several Android 5.0 Lollipop updates for arrival including updates for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 7 2012, and Nexus 10. And while those updates are confirmed, the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date for each of those devices remains out of reach, at least for right now.

Google’s silence doesn’t mean that we haven’t heard about some of the particulars. In fact, we currently have a pretty good outlook on the Android 5.0 Lollipop release date for Nexus devices. Today, with a Lollipop release on the horizon, we want to relay as many details as we possibly can to Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 7, and Nexus 5 users to help prepare for Google’s inevitable roll out for these devices.

Google Still Silent

As expected, Google continues to remain silent about its Android 5.0 Lollipop release for Nexus devices. For those of you that are new to the Nexus Android update game, this is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, this is exactly what we expected.

Google typically announces a vague Android release date alongside new Nexus hardware. That’s precisely what it did when it announced Android 5.0 alongside the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9. Then, it typically waits until just before a roll out or shortly after a roll out to confirm the actual release. Very rarely do we see it confirm dates ahead of time and we never see it confirm Android update release times ahead of time.

With the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 set to usher in the Android 5.0 era in early November, it’s looking like we’ll probably hear more about Android 5.0’s arrival next week.

You Can Install Android 5.0 Lollipop Right Now

Those of you that own a Nexus 5 or a Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi edition can install the Android 5.0 Lollipop update right now. It’s not the public release, it’s the final version of the developer version of the update that was released earlier this year. It’s a solid update and it gives you a chance to try out Android 5.0 early if you want to.

To do this, you will need the newly updated Android Lollipop factory images provided by Google. You will need to install the Android SDK or at least ADB and Fastboot. It’s a bit complicated but fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Have a look at our full instructions so that you can get Android 5.0 Lollipop up and running ahead of its release. Just remember, this is the developer version and not the public release.

Nexus 10 & Nexus 7 Lollipop Release Date

The Nexus 7 Lollipop release was a bit confusing right out of the gates. Google confirmed an update but did not initially confirm an update for both the 2013 Nexus 7 and 2012 Nexus 7. The company cleared that up soon after the announcement and both versions of the Nexus 7 will be getting the bump to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Thing is, we may not see them arrive at the same time.

According to the reliable Android Police, Google will kick off the Android 5.0 Lollipop roll out on November 3rd, or, the day that it unleashes new Nexus hardware unto the world. It looks like the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi, both the 2012 and 2013 models, and the Nexus 10 will get Android 5.0 Lollipop that day. This is not confirmed but the information should be considered genuine.

So, unless something goes horribly wrong behind the scenes, we should see the first Android 5.0 Lollipop updates roll out next week. Again, Google never shares the exact roll out time ahead the roll out so we could see it land in the morning, we could see it land late at night.

Nexus 4 & Nexus 5 Lollipop Release Dates

It looks like the cellular versions of Google’s Nexus devices will get their Android 5.0 Lollipop updates a little later in the process. This isn’t surprising. They typically take a little more work.

Unfortunately, there still isn’t a firm date for these devices though a leaked document suggests that updates for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4 and LTE models including the Nexus 7 will push out later on in November. Specific dates are not yet known and there’s a good chance Google will not reveal those dates in the early part of the month.

Android 5.0 Lollipop Should Treat You Well

Finally, we know that the Android 5.0 Lollipop should treat Nexus users well. We’ve gone hands-on with the Android 5.0 developer edition and we’ve found it to be an impressive upgrade over Android 4.4 KitKat. To learn more about Android 5.0 Lollipop and the features that will land with Google’s new update, have a look at our Nexus 5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update impressions.

While we haven’t discovered any game changing bugs just yet, Nexus updates tend to be buggy. Keep that in mind before installing your Android 5.0 Lollipop update the second it comes out. Google tends to be a bit slow when it comes to major bug fix updates so you’ll also want to know where to head should something go wrong.

We’ll keep you informed about Android 5.0 Lollipop bugs and fixes should they emerge in the days after the Nexus Lollipop release date.