Essential didn’t release a full Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Essential Phone. Even after three beta releases, the company felt that the update wasn’t stable enough for a public release. It then decided to skip the Android 8.0 Oreo release in favor of Android 8.1 in January this year and said at that time that the move would delay the release by “a couple of weeks.” A couple of months later, Essential has finally announced that the official Android 8.1 Oreo update is now rolling out for the Essential Phone.
Essential made the decision in January to focus on Android 8.1 instead after it discovered several stability issues in version 8.0 which it felt would be addressed in 8.1. The company then released an Android 8.1 Oreo beta so that it could fine-tune the build before its public release.
The company today confirmed via Twitter that the full release of Android 8.1 Oreo is now available for Essential Phone owners. Those who are updating from Android 7.1 Nougat will get an update file that weighs in at over 1GB while those who are on the beta version will get a 276MB download.
All of the standard Android Oreo features are mentioned in the update’s changelog which includes picture-in-picture mode, improved notifications, Instant Apps, and more. The update also brings the March security update, clock icons, dynamic calendar, and a fix for slow scrolling jitter.
Essential Phone owners should now keep an eye out for an update as it will soon go live for all users.
We're excited to announce the full release of Android Oreo 8.1 on Essential Phone! Check your phone now for the update. pic.twitter.com/0PwPBMj6h1
— Essential (@essential) March 13, 2018
Filed in . Read more about Android 8.1, Android Updates and Essential Phone.