Here's when Android 10 will be coming to your Nokia phone

HMD Global just set the bar for Android system updates really, really high. In fact, it’s likely no other phone maker will be able to reach the heights defined for Nokia phones.

HMD Global’s Nokia smartphones will nearly all be updated to Android 10, the brand new version of Android. HMD announced the news alongside Google’s own rebranding of Android away dessert-themed names to simple numbers. Android Q has been in beta since earlier this year, and once it’s distributed in final form it will hence be known as Android 10. The treat names are gone.

Nokia phone owners can expect to see their phones updated to Android 10 in five waves that will be spread out between the fourth quarter of 2019 through the second quarter of 2020.

The Nokia phones first to see Android 10 include the flagships and high-end mid-rangers. These are the Nokia 9 PureView, Nokia 8.1, and Nokia 7.1. HMD said these phones should receive 10 during the fourth quarter.

Moving into next year, the first three months of 2020 will bring Android 10 to the rest of the lineup. Right around the beginning of the year, the Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6.1 Plus, and Nokia 6 will gain 10.

Two batches are planned for the first quarter of 2020. Earlier in the quarter the Nokia 4.2, 3.2, 3.1 Plus, and 2.2 will all receive their share of 10. Followed later in the quarter by the Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 5.1 Plus, and Nokia 1 Plus.

Finally, at some point during the second quarter of 2020 HMD will ship Android 10 to the Nokia 5.1, 3.1, 2.1, and Nokia 1.

This is a welcome commitment from HMD Global. Moreover, it proves that the company’s adoption of clean Android on many of its devices was the best decision for customers, who will see more updates over the lifespan of their phone.

“With a proven track record in delivering software updates fast, Nokia smartphones were the first whole portfolio to benefit from a 2-letter upgrade from Android Nougat to Android Oreo and then Android Pie,” said Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global. “We were the fastest manufacturer to upgrade from Android Oreo to Android Pie across the range. And with today’s roll out plan we look set to do it even faster for Android Pie to Android 10 upgrades. We are the only manufacturer 100% committed to having the latest Android across the entire portfolio.”

HMD also put the rest of the industry on notice. Will — can?!? — any other Android phone maker adopt so bold an update schedule? Only time will tell.