Nexus July Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Update: What to Know

Google is gearing up to release the just announced Android 7.0 Nougat update this summer, but in the meantime a brand new July Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is rolling out to Nexus owners today. With that in mind below we want to go over what’s new, and what owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P and more need to know as it arrives.

Along with the release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow was the promise of monthly software and security updates to keep the Android platform fast, stable, and more importantly secure. Google’s done a good job, and just as expected today confirmed the July update is rolling out and available for download.

Read: Android 7.0 Nougat Release: 5 Things to Expect

Starting today, July 7th, the July update is headed to all newer Nexus smartphones and tablets. Information is available on the Nexus security bulletin regarding what changes have been made, and updated factory images to flash are available not to mention downloads should be rolling out as over the air updates. Here’s what you need to know.

Google’s monthly software updates fix issues, improve security, close vulnerabilities and other things. With the July Nexus Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update fixing 22 problems from moderate to critical severity. Then there’s a second list with even more dated July 5th. So there are two security patches this month rolled into one update.

The company lists them as critical, high, or moderate on the scale of importance, and based on that, the July Nexus update is an important one all owners need to know about, and install.

What Devices Will See the Update

Users will still be on Android 6.0.1. Marshmallow, not 7.0 Nougat, and it is headed to the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus Player with with no sign of the Pixel C. It’s still an update though, which is usually a welcomed addition.

For now we’re still not seeing much support for Google’s Pixel C, although it also is getting access to the Android N beta. However, expect all of these and the Pixel C to get Android 7.0 Nougat sometime this summer. Per Google’s promise.

When Will It Arrive

As usual, Google posted all of the details, released new factory images for those who’d rather update manually, and the over the air updates should begin soon if not later today. Which is July 6th.

Typically we see over the air update notifications within 24-48 hours of the announcement, and as soon as more details are released we’ll be sure and update. Google stated both OTAs and the factory images are available, so expect it any day now.

So what should owners expect? Either today or tomorrow a small update will arrive, and take a few minutes to complete. These are quick, easy and painless update, usually. However, Google releases these in small groups, then adds more to the list. Meaning it could arrive now, in 24-48 hours, or some could be waiting until the end of the week.

Most of the time these arrive for any and all supported devices extremely quick. There also appears to be a lot of specific things with WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and other drivers, meaning a big vulnerability was probably patched. As a result, this could arrive extremely fast. Security is a big priority these days.

How to Get it Now

If you don’t want to wait for the update notification users can get the latest July Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software release right now. Like always, Google released factory images for every single device getting an update. Developers can flash this with multiple different tools, and regular users can the same way they’ve flashed any other software update. Instructions are below, but with such a small update we’d recommend just waiting for an OTA notification.

Read: How to Install Android 6.0.1 Right Now

As a reminder this typically wipes the device clean, but also allows for a clean slate, which delivers a good and smooth Android experience with the latest security patches and all.

We’d recommend just waiting a few days for the over the air notification, but those who feel the need can manually flash with the links and instructions above.

Update Problems & Fixes

Like all updates, this could cause a few issues here and there for some owners. Usually we don’t have issues with security updates, but you never know how a device or apps will handle any given software change. Considering this one has a lot of changes, there is a small possibility, but everything will likely go smooth.

We’ve seen small updates cause all sorts of issues in the past with the older Nexus 5. So use caution, and backup your device just to be safe before accepting the update.

Once more users start getting it we’ll update with more information, and our own Nexus 6P is running just fine with the latest release. Users can keep an eye on Google’s Nexus Help Forum for feedback. For now, take a look at our list of common Android 6.0.1 problems and fixes.

Final Thoughts

Sadly this isn’t the latest Android 7.0 Nougat, but it’s still a software update owners will want to accept. Android 7.0 is slated for an arrival later this summer, so sit tight. For now this is just one more quick monthly security update to ensure the best and safest experience possible for Nexus devices. Samsung even released their monthly security update bulletin too, and updates for the Galaxy S7 and others is likely in the works.

In the meantime, stay tuned, and wait for the update to arrive. If we find out any other info, major changes, or potential issues we’ll update with more details.