2021 is now history, which means Microsoft failed to release the Android 11 update for the original Surface Duo. Moreover, almost all firmware updates for the first-gen dual-screen smartphone from Microsoft in 2021 contained nothing but Android security updates. Still, there is hope to get a newer Android version for Surface Duo.
According to a post on Windows Central, sources within Microsoft revealed that Android 11 for the original Surface Duo is almost here. The update is finished and ready for broad deployment, with Google and AT&T being the only obstacle to overcome. Microsoft waits for those two companies to certify the release before shipping it to the public.
The long-promised and severely overdue Android 11 for Surface Duo is the reason why the device was getting lame updates without device-specific improvements and bug fixes. The problem is especially stinging considering how buggy the first-gen Surface Duo is. Android 11, which runs on Surface Duo 2, allegedly should fix some of those issues.
Although Microsoft is yet to release Android 11 for the original Surface Duo, there are already rumors about Android 12L (an upcoming special version of Android for dual-screen and foldable devices). The source says Microsoft will skip Android 12 for Surface Duo and Duo 2 in favor of the Android SKU optimized for unconventional form factors. Naturally, there is no information on when Android 12L will be available for download.
Microsoft promised three years of "active support" for Surface "Duoses," so we can only hope the company will manage to deliver at least one Android upgrade before moving to Android 12 and higher.
You can learn more about the latest firmware update for Surface Duo 2 in our dedicated post. Unlike firmware updates for the original Duo, December 2021 update for Duo 2 contains numerous fixes and improvements.
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