Microsoft: the original Surface Duo will get Android 11 before the end of the year.

Despite reports of Microsoft planning to release Android 11 for the original Surface Duo "this Summer," Microsoft failed to deliver a proper Android upgrade for its quirky dual-screen smartphone. Traditional Android smartphones are now on track to receive Android 12, but the original Surface Duo remains hopelessly stuck with Android 10 for more than a year after the initial release. Microsoft now says those owning the original Surface Duo should expect the company to release Android 11 "before the end of the year."

A Microsoft spokesperson revealed to The Verge the company's commitment to providing the regular feature and security updates for the original Surface Duo. Still, Microsoft does not say when exactly Android 11 will be available to download. On top of that, Microsoft is yet to provide details on what Android 11 brings to Surface Duo. Recent hands-on videos of Surface Duo 2 revealed small feature changes inside the operating system.

The problem with Surface Duo is not the mere fact of Microsoft not rushing major Android updates. More than a year after its debut, Surface Duo cannot get rid of numerous bugs and glitches inside the operating system. That is extremely unfortunate, especially for those who paid the full $1,499 price for the base configuration. Microsoft promises three years of active support, but the quality of the first one was lackluster at best.

Microsoft revealed the original Surface Duo's successor on September 22. Surface Duo 2 received much-needed hardware updates, such as flagship Snapdragon 888 CPU, 5G support, significantly improved cameras, high refresh rate displays, and increased batteries. The smartphone will go on sale with Android 11 (Microsoft promises to deliver Android 12 at some point) and the $1,499 price tag for the base configuration.