Android 15 is nearing completion, with Google already rolling out early versions for developers and testers. These early builds have revealed a lot about the upcoming OS, showcasing new features and enhancements. Android 15 promises to be a significant upgrade, though many Android devices, including several Vivo and iQOO models, won't receive the update.
In this post, I have compiled a list of Vivo and iQOO phones and tablets that won't be eligible for the Android 15 upgrade. Check the list to see if you’ll need to consider upgrading to a newer model to enjoy the latest features.
Vivo, iQOO Phones Not Eligible for Android 15 Update
[Vivo X series]
- Vivo X80 Lite
- Vivo X70
- Vivo X70 Pro
- Vivo X70 Pro+
- Older X-series devices
[Vivo V series]
- Vivo V25
- Vivo V25e
- Vivo V25 Pro
- Vivo V23 5G
- Vivo V23 Pro
- Vivo V21s
- And all older V-series devices
[Vivo T series]
- Vivo T1x
- Vivo T1x 4G
- Vivo T1 5G
- Vivo T1 Pro
- Vivo T1 (Snapdragon 680)
- Vivo T1 (Snapdragon 778G)
[Vivo Y series]
- Vivo Y200
- Vivo Y100
- Vivo Y100A
- Vivo Y78
- Vivo Y78t
- Vivo Y56
- Vivo Y55s (2023)
- Vivo Y36
- Vivo Y36 5G
- Vivo Y28
- Vivo Y27
- Vivo Y27s
- Vivo Y27 5G
- Vivo Y17s
- Vivo Y02t
- Vivo Y02A
- And all Y-series phones launched before 2023
[iQOO]
- iQOO 10 Pro
- iQOO 9 SE
- iQOO 9 Pro
- iQOO 9T
- iQOO Z6
- iQOO Z6 44W
- iQOO Z6 Pro
- iQOO Z6 Lite
- iQOO Neo 6
- And all older iQOO phones
These devices are unlikely to receive the Funtouch OS 15 update based on Android 15.
Please note that this list is not official. It is based on an analysis of the company’s software update policy and past rollouts.
Vivo’s Software Update Policy
Despite being a leading smartphone brand globally, Vivo lacks a clear software update policy for most of its devices. The brand doesn’t guarantee software updates for most of its phones and tablets, leaving users uncertain about the number of OS updates they can expect.
Typically, Vivo T and V-series phones receive two OS updates, while Y-series phones get just one. In 2021, Vivo promised three OS upgrades for select upcoming X-series models, an improvement from the previous two updates. This means their flagship phones can receive up to three Android updates.
Vivo needs to extend its OS update offerings, as competitors like Samsung and Google provide up to seven OS updates for their flagship phones. Even its sister brands, OnePlus and Oppo, offer up to five years of OS upgrades.
Android 15: Release Timeline for Vivo Phones
Google recently released the third beta of Android 15, marking a significant milestone as it entered the “platform stability” phase. This means all major changes are integrated, and the focus now shifts to polishing and bug fixes for the final release.
While there's no official release date for Android 15, the timeline is similar to last year’s Android 14. If trends continue, the stable version of Android 15 might be released in October.
Thanks to the Android 15 beta program, many Vivo users are already experiencing the new OS. Currently, the beta program is available for Vivo X100 and iQOO 12, with more devices expected to join in the coming weeks and months. The stable build is likely to roll out around October.
New Features in Android 15
Android 15 introduces several new features and enhancements. Here are some of the major changes:
- Private Space: This feature allows users to hide secret apps and files under an additional layer of protection using a separate user profile and a different lock. Activities in Private Space are hidden from other users, and apps used in this space don’t show in recent apps.
- Satellite Connectivity: Android 15 extends support for satellite connectivity, enabling SMS, MMS, and preloaded RCS apps to use satellites for messaging. The OS also includes UI elements for satellite connectivity and lets apps detect satellite connections.
- Theft Detection Lock: The device locks itself if it detects suspicious activities, such as someone running away with it or multiple failed login attempts. The device will require the original Google account to set up after a factory reset, rendering it useless to thieves.
- App Pairs: This feature allows users to create shortcuts for favorite split-screen combinations, saving time when using multiple apps in split-screen mode. It is restricted to wide-screen devices like tablets and foldable phones.
- Partial Screen Sharing: Users can share or record a particular screen rather than the entire window, enhancing privacy by preventing accidental exposure of sensitive information.