The Motorola Moto Z4 has been on the market for just over one week, but there are still new details surfacing about the device. Digital Trends revealed in its review of the smartphone that it is slated to receive Google’s upcoming software update to Android Q. However, that may be the only operating system upgrade the device gets.
Often Android device makers promise at least two years of software updates for its latest devices. In addition to regular security patches, many devices may see two major OS updates. Currently, it remains unconfirmed whether the Moto Z4 will upgrade to Android R.
The Moto Z4 is in a precarious space. As a device that runs 5G, Motorola intends it to be a standout product. However, various components, such as its Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chip, put it in the mid-range category, meaning it can easily be overshadowed by other, flagship devices from more prominent brands. A failure to keep up with a system update schedule could further put the Moto Z4 at a disadvantage.
Android Q is expected to officially release in late-August, primarily for Google’s Pixel smartphones. Several other devices should also quickly update to Android Q. However, Motorola is not apart of Google’s Android partnership program, meaning it won’t have as fluid access to the new system as other device makers, such as OnePlus, LG, Sony, and Xiaomi.
Standard Android devices may receive Android Q between late 2019, but most won’t see the update until sometime in 2020. If the Moto Z4 does update beyond Android Q that system likely won’t be available to the device until 2021.
