Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Get 2 More Months of Security Patches
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
Google extended security-patch support for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P by two months. The two phones, announced in September 2015, were already past the window for major version updates, and the extra patches let them finish their support life on a steadier footing.
Google’s support policy
Google’s stated policy for Nexus devices was major updates for two years and security updates for three years from launch. For the 5X and 6P, the support page listed September as the end of security patches. Shortly after, the same page listed November instead.
What the change meant
Two additional months of monthly patches were guaranteed. Google gave no reason for the extension. The wording on its support pages was the authority, so readers were advised to check the official table rather than rely on the article.
Software status
Both phones had received Android 8.0 Oreo. Owners should not have expected another major version afterward. The remaining updates were security patches only.
Owners of older Nexus phones
After patches stop, a phone keeps working but receives no fixes for newly found vulnerabilities. Avoid banking apps and risky downloads on unpatched devices, or upgrade to a model that is still supported.
Frequently asked questions
When were the Nexus 5X and 6P announced?
In September 2015.
What was the last major Android version for these phones?
Android 8.0 Oreo.
Are these phones still supported?
No. Security support ended years ago, and the exact dates are on Google's Nexus support page.