Moto G 2013 Android 5.1 Update Hits the U.S.

While a new Moto G for 2015 is in the works and likely coming soon, those with older versions haven’t been forgotten about and are about to receive the highly anticipated update to the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop software.

Back in November Android 5.0 was released after months of waiting, and it eventually arrived on all new Motorola smartphones, including the original 1st Gen Moto G from 2013. However, Google has since released Android 5.1, and now the latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop full of small bug fixes and improvements, and that software is finally ready for those with an original Moto G 1st Gen from 2013.

Read: Best Cheap Android Smartphones [June, 2015]

After Google released Android 5.1, Motorola quickly pushed out updates for the Moto G Google Play Edition, but those in the United States with regular unlocked or carrier editions have been patiently waiting for it to arrive. It’s finally coming, and below we have all the details.

Motorola’s original Moto G in 2013 kicked off a major change in the Android ecosystem by delivering an excellent all around smartphone running nearly stock Android for one of the best prices buyers had ever seen. It was only $179 outright, no contracts required, and was a great mid-range device.

Since then many manufacturers have tried to copy it and failed, and last year a 2nd Gen Moto G arrived with a bigger screen, dual front facing speakers, and much more. We’re expecting another soon in 2015, likely being announced next month, but for those with the original an update is finally here.

Starting this week we’re seeing many reports and confirmations that the original 2013 Moto G (4G LTE) is finally getting Android 5.1 Lollipop in the United States. The Moto G was actually the company’s most successful smartphone in history, being only $179, and sold millions in the United States and around the globe.

Those with an unlocked Moto G LTE in the United States can expect the update to arrive starting today, and all throughout the weekend.

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

Android 5.1 Lollipop adds a few noteworthy new features to stop Lollipop, not to mention fixes a slew of bugs with the initial release. Users can expect some tweaks to the dialer, an improved notification pulldown bar with easier to use quick settings. The do not disturb and silent mode has been tweaked with more options, and more. All the new bits can be found from the link above.

Specific to Motorola there are advances and updates to Moto Migrate, Moto Assist, hands-free modes, and much more, and we’ll update once a full changelog has been released.

Users can head into settings > about phone > and check for updates to pull the latest software right now. It’s worth noting that this arrived for a select few late last month, it’s currently rolling out in Brazil as of Jule 1st, and in May the original 3G Moto G received the same software update. Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to check for updates now if you’re interested in adding in all the changes and new features of Android 5.1 Lollipop.