Essential Phone receives Android 9 Pie software update

Google today released Android Pie to Pixel handsets, and said it was working with its partners to bring the latest version of its mobile OS to its partners this fall. However it turns out that one other non-Google handset is receiving the update early - The Essential Phone.

The Essential Phone was originally launched back in 2017 with Android 7 Nougat onboard. It was one of the devices added to Android P beta. It is also the company's only handset and offers a near stock interface, which likely contributed toward the quick Android update.

With Android Pie, the device will feature a "simpler and more approachable" user interface, Adaptive Battery, improved notifications system, enhanced privacy, and native support for notches.

Other manufacturers like Sony, Nokia, OnePlus, Oppo and Vivo who were part of the Android P beta are expected to release Android Pie by the end of fall according to Google. The company also stated that it is working with its partners like Samsung and LG to bring Android to all their compatible handsets, and we should expect Android Pie updates to start showing up by the end of the year.


source - Essential