It is. They don’t release drivers for newer kernels. But Fariphone needs to update the kernel in order to meet the requirements for A14. It is possible to circumvent the requirements but then you dont get the certification from Google.
7 Likes
It’s wishful thinking. Because of the Qualcomm kernel situation and the fact that Fairphone narrowly delivers the bare minimum they promised for FP4, we would be lucky to receive ANY Android update. (IMO)
They AFAIK did not promise A14 or beyond, just that they may “try”.
It’s so awkward that the A12 and A13 updates happened so rapidly. We jumped 2 android versions within like 8 months, back in 2023. But nothing before / since.
4 Likes
But they did promise at least 5 years of software support. To fulfil this promise they have to update to at least A14.
1 Like
“We are aiming for software support until 2026 and may extend that to 2028.”
(https://shop.fairphone.com/fairphone-4)
So much promising 
.
True. But their promise is too vague in this context I think.
If they kept pushing security updates or bugfixes instead (regularly/irregularly) that could also count as software support.
Not that we would enjoy that. But they could just do that.
3 Likes
Where did they promise this?
I can’t find it back on their website but it is mentioned in this thread:
Well the bi-monthly updates are a joke anyway so we’ll see how it goes if Android 14/15 ends up never releasing. They could always backport updates once every 6 months and they will technically stay true to their word
1 Like
If the plan to update to Android 15 fails, they will indeed be in the pickle.
They did update the description on the website to" may extend" to 2028 but it wasn’t always like that.
I think everyone is aware it would be disappointing and frustrating so stakes are high. I remain optimistic that they pull off Android 15 before Android 13 end of life ( sometime in 2026 even).
Obviously I sympathise with all the frustration shared here and wish for a better communication.
5 Likes
Indeed they changed it.
Now they only mentioning they guarantee updates until 2026 not until the end of 2026.
They could hold that even with A13.
Interesting.
3 Likes
It will not be as easy as that. Google just announced that they stopped support of Android 12(L) by 31st of March. So at a certain point in time, they will also quit delivering security patches for A13, too.
The discussion is back to
And all following thus going in circles.
2 Likes
Of course, we are going in circles. Our phone manufacturer does not communicate with us and silently broke the promise of A14, with no explanation at all. So all that is left is speculation and disgruntled users.
Everything has already been said in this thread, but as long as Fairphone does not communicate, the circle will continue.
But yeah, I guess one could say “/thread”
6 Likes
Then I do wonder why I got a warranty extension for my F4 until July 2027 
“5.1 The warranties relate to the hardware and manufacturing quality of the products as they were delivered to you. Software is another important component to make your smartphones operate smoothly. However, Fairphone does not guarantee that software preinstalled by or on behalf of Fairphone on the Product (including subsequent updates and upgrades) will meet Your requirements, work in combination with any hardware or software not provided by Fairphone and/or will operate uninterrupted or error-free, or that Fairphone will correct all software errors.”
“It is up to You whether or not to register for the Extended Warranty.”
6 Likes
If we assume every version of Android has 3 years of support, then Android 13 should be supported until late 2025. Maybe Fairphone can live with that. We’ll see.
Going by Android Security and Update Bulletins | Android Open Source Project security update support for an old Android version tends to run out around February/March of a year, so if this is any indication for Android 13, the start of 2026 should still see security update support for it.
2 Likes
Yes and that is a good thing. Because we as Fairphone customers and users have an interest that Fairphone improves the communication and the support. This Forum is our only lever because investors maybe also will read how satisfied customers are and how likely it is that they will buy another Fairphone product or recommend it to others.
And appart from what many people think, people working at Fairphone and have a leadership position can in fact also read (and even write in) this forum.
So it is that easy, these threads in this forum are a way to make our concern in support and communication to a concern of the Fairphone company.
4 Likes
I don’t know and I don’t understand what is a well known issue with Android 14 and FP. However, I bought a phone because of the ethical approach and promises of durability. Durability appears not true, maybe ethics in production is not true neither? FP remains very active in bombarding me with new offers of phones by Emails but completely unresponsive in answering basic questions on products already bought from them.
5 Likes