LG G4 Update: What You Need to Know

When the new LG G4 was announced and released buyers were happy to see it was already running the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop from Google. However, since then, Google’s updated the OS to Android 5.1.1 and many LG G4 and even G3 owners are wondering when they’ll get the same. Here we’ll be going over everything we know so far about an LG G4 update.

With Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Google made lots of changes. The update delivered crucial bug fixes, improved performance and battery life, not to mention recently patched the Stagefright vulnerability many have probably heard about.

Read: 5 Best LG G4 Quick Chargers

Those with the LG G4 have been enjoying the company’s new smartphone with a stunning camera, genuine leather around back and more, but with a few problems plaguing the device an update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is likely in the works.

We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about the LG G3 and LG G4 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update, and here we’ll be going over everything we know so far, what to expect, and when it could arrive if LG indeed delivers an update.

Recently we’ve been hearing some odd reports and rumors from various sources that LG has no intentions of updating the LG G3 or even the new LG G4 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, and instead will wait and jump straight to Android M later this fall. However, a few signs are pointing to a different outcome. Not to mention multiple bugs are plauging devices, and an update is needed.

Around the end of June a quick software update arrived that reportedly fixed one of the biggest LG G4 problems, which is an issue with the touchscreen. This was the second update for the device, but it’s still on 5.1 Lollipop. The problem is still ongoing, and that update mainly fixed some keyboard problems, which can also be solved by using one of the many 3rd party keyboards on Google Play.

Read: 30 LG G4 Tips & Tricks

Owners of the LG G4 are still reporting keyboard problems, touchscreen issues and taps not being recognized, Bluetooth problems and incompatibilities, app crashes, and other small bugs that aren’t as widespread. With all of that lingering, an update should be in the works to fix many of these problems.

Recently a big story has been floating around about a problem in Android called the “Stagefright Vulnerability” that effects 950 million devices. It sounds scary, but is nothing to be alarmed about. No devices have suffered any problems because of it, Google’s already fixed the problem, and Samsung, LG and others are all pushing out updates to patch this issue.

LG G4 Updates

Yesterday we learned that both Samsung and Google plan to release monthly security updates, along with major software updates, to ensure the best performance and safest experience with smartphones and tablets. Late last night LG joined the fun, and has also promised they’ll be pushing out updates for Stagefright, and monthly security and bug fix updates for all smartphones. That includes the LG G2, G3, G4 and more. Here’s their statement:

“LG will be providing security updates on a monthly basis which carriers will then be able to make available to customers immediately. We believe these important steps will demonstrate to LG customers that security is our highest priority.”

The first update should arrive over the next week or two, aimed at patching the Stagefright problem that you’ve probably read about, and more will be coming soon.

Android 5.1.1 and Android M

As things sit right now, we’ve yet to hear from LG themselves regarding an update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. As we mentioned earlier, a few unconfirmed reports claim they will skip 5.1.1 and go right to Android M, but with so many devices being updated or launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, we’re expecting an update sometime this month.

Most likely we can expect an update to Android 5.1.1 for the LG G4, but we have no release date to report. The LG G4 hit carriers in the United States during the first week of June, so it has only been available for a little over two months. Typically we don’t see big software updates arrive that soon after a device launch, so if an update is coming, it likely won’t be for another few weeks, hopefully before the end of August.

With so many small problems being an issue with the LG G4, the company’s latest and greatest flagship phone aimed at taking on the iPhone and Galaxy S6, we’re expecting the company to push out updates for it as fast as possible. Samsung’s already delivered Android 5.1.1 to the Galaxy S6, and if LG wants to compete, they’ll do the same in the near future.

And if Android M is the next update, owners will be waiting until at least October, if not later. That’s when Google’s confirmed Android M will arrive, but then LG will need to take some time to prepare it for current devices.

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop arrived for the LG G Flex 2 in June, four months after it was released back in February. Which is a sign that LG is working on 5.1.1 updates, and delivering it to newer devices first. The next device in line should technically be the LG G4.

Read: Android 5.1 vs Android 5.0 Lollipop: What’s New

In June T-Mobile and LG released two budget smartphones, the LG G Stylo and the LG Leon. Both of these cheap and affordable smartphone were treated to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on July 5th, less than a month after being released. And there’s even an LG G4 Beat running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

All of this means that LG obviously has Android 5.1.1 in the works and on multiple devices, so G3 and G4 owners can expect it to arrive eventually, we’re just not 100% sure when that will actually be.

What to Expect

The update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is a small but very important update that all owners should want. Google fixes some crucial memory leak problems that cause apps to slow, lag, and eventually crash. Something that’s been reported by many LG G4 owners. This will also improve battery life. The update adds a few small new features, tweaks the notification pulldown bar and Do-Not-Disturb volume controls, and patches multiple security vulnerabilities.

Google’s Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is a very small update, but a necessary update we expect to arrive soon for the G4, and then the LG G3. With all these Stagefright updates rolling out, expect more details and an announcement from LG any day now. We’ll report back the moment we have more details.