I would like to understand how android updates are performed in the Fairphone world. I’ve read a few things but that does not answer my questions - perhaps those contents were too general, not preceise enough, or my knowlege and understanding are insufficient.
Apparently, there is also a so-called google play system update, but that doesn’t seem so critical to me (my FP4 seems to be up to date on that level).
So what interests me most is the so-called “security update(s)”.
First of all, does the phone first propose to you the oldest update you would have to do?
Or does it propose to you the most actual update?
Do security updates imply that you might get a new version of android installed?
Depending on the answers and my understanding, I might have more questions - but I’ll pen off for now.
Most Android phones will offer you the latest update available when checking for updates. The update size might differ depending from which previous version you’re coming from (ex. going from version 100 to 101 might only be 50MB, since the phone only needs to download the files that changed, but if upgrading from 99 or lower, it might be 900MB, because you have to download all the files then, since the small update package is only generated for updates from the previous version - but the details here may vary).
Starting with Android 10 (maybe 9?) some core system components are now distributed kind of like apps, through the Play Store and that is what the Play System update is about. For example Google decided, that code that tells the phone how to open different media formats, can be distributed through the Play Store. This way, if a new format appears (let’s say MP5 as a successor to MP3 and MP4), Google can install the new code on all Android devices, without having to wait for OEMs like Fairphone to push updates. They can also push the code to devices that are not supported by OEMs anymore. These updates can contain security fixes as well, so it’s a good idea to keep these up to date.
Security patches usually refere to small updates to the Android version currently running on your device. The sometimes bring new minor features built by Fairphone themselves (ex. the latest FP6 update added the option to disable a screenshot shortcut), but their main goal is to fix security vulnerabilities. It’s like when there is a small issue with your car (ex. the manufacturer discovered they use one incorrect screw), they won’t give you a new car (new Android version), they will just fix that minor issue (tell you to come get the screw replaced). These fixes are usually pretty significant and much more important than the Google Play Security update.
And thanks to you, kwasow, for your very detailed answer.
Your point 1. might explain why in my case the proposed update TP31.C.0143 is 2.1 GB, as I recently got this FP4 (sold “as new”) that still has a version from 5th June 2023…
And apparently, the same aforementioned update TP31.C.0143 would simultaneously install Android 13. Is this correct?
(I understand my FP4 came with Android 12 installed, instead of the original A11).
Some more general information. There is also a distinction between:
Operating System (Android) version updates (i.e. going from Android 14 to Android 15): Those are rare and very infrequent, but they change your phone’s look and feel a lot. They also allow for more devastating bugs, so, FOMO or not, it is prudent to not necessarily be among the first to install them, especially if you depend on your phone…
Bug fixes, necessary when Fairphone released something which breaks phone functionality. It unfortunately happens more often than it should. Like for version updates some prudence is required, because the fix might create some new bugs. If possible wait a day or two and check the forum for feedback.
Features updates, usually improving or fixing some included app. For instance, at some point Fairphone greatly improved the initially rather unimpressive camera of the FP4. Those are usually safe to install since they usually only concern a specific app or feature, meaning potential damage will be circumscribed.
Security patches, which are created monthly by Google and patch the latest discovered loopholes for hacking a phone. Those should be installed ASAP, more so since Fairphone usually releases them long after Google has published them. They are usually safe, since made by Google (not that they can’t blunder too…).
Now in the first decades of Android phones updates were generally rare and #4 type patches didn’t exist yet. Most Manufacturers released (usually once, rarely twice) a general update which could contain all kind of things, mostly #1 and #2 kind of stuff.
Nowadays the (lack of) security of Android has become a major issue, and so the industry has separated the different categories of updates:
Google releases patches for its “Google Play System” (monthly, but not at a fixed date), which you can find and (should) install in Settings/Security. They also release updates for their “Play Store” app, but this one will usually update itself without any interaction (key word “usually”…).
The manufacturer (Fairphone in our case) on the other hand releases the previously mentionedupdates of type 1-4, and usually separately nowadays (not in the old carry-all blob), because of their very different frequencies: Android updates are yearly, bug fixes and feature updates are “if/when needed/available”, and Security Patches are monthly. Fairphone is unfortunately still using the carry-all blob, which sometimes delays Security patches till some non-urgent feature update is finished.
So, to resume: In Settings/Security you will find indicators of available updates: One for the type 1-4 updates released by Fairphone (“System updates”), and another for the Google Play System update.
It’s indeed (AFAIK) a type 1 update, so it contains a whole new OS, among other things. You should install it, because not having it means you don’t have any of the Security patches from June 2023 on!
If you want to know what exactly was in there, make a forum search with the update number and you’ll find the original thread announcing it.
