Hi @tjeb, I asked around and I’m happy to share some more information about this.
In a way, it’s true that updates ship out in batches - devices are grouped by network provider, depending on the inserted SIM card. Before an update is released, both Fairphone and partners perform a wide variety of tests to ensure the software meets our expectations and quality standards.
Sometimes, especially when testing Android upgrades (e.g. Android 11 → 13), we discover an issue, which is not easy to solve. In those cases, Fairphone may make the decision to not release a specific software to a portion of customers, because that software can negatively impact the usability of the device, one way or another. This is what happened in this case, and it concerns customers of KPN Netherlands, as well as SFR France.
We are not able to say when Android 13 will be available to customers of these providers. We are working hard to deliver it as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to actively support Android 11 and a security patch update is already in the works.