Android 7.0 Nougat - can't install, problems, when can my phone download it?
WONDERING why you can't upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat yet? Here is our guide to which phones can download Google's latest software.
If you're having trouble updating to Android 7.0 Nougat, this could be why
Android 7.0 Nougat is Google's most powerful software to date.
First released in August 2016, the platform offers a range of new features and services for Android users across the globe, from new emoji to split-screen apps to improved security.
But despite all the benefits provided by Android 7.0 Nougat, many users are still struggling to get the new software on their device - so here is Express.co.uk's rundown of the latest status for some of the world's top smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge
Samsung's Android 7.0 Nougat rollout has been beset with problems for some time.
The major update was released by Samsung last mont, yet a poll of Express.co.uk readers found that 90 per cent of users still haven't got the new features on their phone.
For the moment, only customers have purchased the device directly from Samsung or on SIM only deals have Android 7.0 Nougat installed, with anyone who has taken a contract via a mobile network having to wait a little while longer.
The delay appears to be down to Samsung’s own internal processes.
All the major operators have to test the update Samsung releases before unleashing it on their customers, allowing networks the chance to stop any bugs before the upgrade lands on devices.
Samsung has seen several difficulties in updating its devices to Android 7.0 Nougat
However this delay may be over, as this week customers on US mobile network T-Mobile claimed that they were able to upgrade their Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge devices.
The update purportedly ships with all of the February 1st security patches already installed.
EE has also revealed that it is testing Google's latest operating system, telling Express.co.uk that, "Like the majority of UK networks, we’re working with Samsung and hope to have an approved nougat O/S file to roll out to our Galaxy S7 customers shortly.”
Along with the Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung has just revealed its latest A3 and A5 devices which will also be getting Nougat soon.
Sony is still seeing some difficulty with its Android 7.0 Nougat rollout
Sony Xperia Z5
Much like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, Sony was also forced to delay the rollout of Android 7.0 Nougat to its top smartphones.
Last month, the company halted the launch of this new OS on its Xperia range after a number of users reported problems.
In a statement the Japanese tech firm said: "We were made aware of reports from some users experiencing inconsistencies related to audio playback via third-party apps and SD card encrypted data read performance, after upgrading to Android 7.0, Nougat.
"We’ve identified the root cause and are aiming to provide corrective firmware and re-commence the rollout as soon as possible.”
Sony was updating its range of Xperia Z5, Xperia Z3+, and Xperia Z4 Tablets when the problems appeared.
The company has now restarted the rollout to some of its devices, with a recent report claiming that Sony has now begun making Android 7.0 Nougat available for the Xperia Z3+, the Xperia Z5 series, as well as the Xperia Z4 tablet.
To check if your Sony phone is ready to be updated, head to Settings > About device > download updates manually.
OnePlus has made Android 7.0 Nougat available to download for its OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T devices
OnePlus 3T
If you were lucky enough to snap up a OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T, then Android 7.0 Nougat should be available for you to download and upgrade now.
The Chinese smartphone maker had promised to push-out its Android 7.0 Nougat update to the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T before the end of the 2016, and just about managed it.
In order to enjoy Google's new software, you'll need to update the OxygenOS software that also runs on the OnePlus devices.
OxygenOS 4.0.2 is available now, fixing a couple of bugs which were present in the original release, and will update your OnePlus 3 or OnePlus 3T to Android 7.0 Nougat now.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL owners can get even more feature with Android 7.1 Nougat
Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL
If you're desperate to get your hands on the latest version of Android 7.0 Nougat, then these are the devices for you.
Google also updates its own devices with the latest upgrades and improvements first, before rolling the downloads out to other manufacturers following initial testing.
In fact, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL currently run Android 7.1 Nougat, the next level above the initial release.
Android 7.1 Nougat brings even more features and upgrades, including the super-smart Google Assistant, which looks to take on Apple's Siri by responding to voice commands.
The update also allows users to interact with the device’s fingerprint scanner.
This new “swipe for notifications” feature allowed users to swipe across the sensor to bring up their app alerts, rather than having to do so on the device’s screen.
Android Nougat's most INCREDIBLE new features
Other Android devices
Android is of course the world's largest smartphone platform, meaning there are hundreds of other devices running the software available today.
However fragmentation may mean that many users face a lengthy delay before getting their hands on the newest version of Android, as Google requires device makers to fully test the software on their own platforms before making it available before public release.
Among the devices we know for sure are able to get Android 7.0 Nougat now are the Huawei Mate 9 and LG V20, both of which come with the software installed out of the box.
Many other leading devices are still waiting for the upgrade, however, with the likes of the HTC 10 and LG G5 anticipating a launch as soon as the company validates the download.
For now, the best bet is to be patient - as when the update is available, both Google and your device maker will be keen to get you upgraded as soon as possible.