Why Motorola Still Struggles with Android Updates in 2025

Motorola faces criticism for slow Android updates, buggy releases, and delayed security patches. While competitors extend multi-year support, many 2023–2024 Motorola phones still await Android 15, raising security and trust concerns.

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Why Motorola Still Struggles with Android Updates in 2025

3 Minutes

Motorola has once again come under fire for slow Android updates, buggy releases, and missed security patches. While rivals promise long-term support, many Motorola users are left waiting — and worried.

Promises on paper, problems in practice

On paper, Motorola posts attractive support promises. The company even advertised up to five years of OS updates for some models — take the Moto Edge 50 Neo, for example. In reality, flagship and midrange devices often wait months for major Android upgrades, and security patches can arrive weeks or even months late.

What’s going wrong: delays, bugs and broken expectations

  • Long delays: Several 2023 and 2024 Motorola phones still haven’t received stable Android 15 builds while Android 16 is already on the horizon.
  • Weird bugs: Reports from users describe update-related regressions — features that stop working or new instability brought in by rushed releases.
  • Empty promises: Marketing claims don’t match the timeline many owners experience, eroding trust.
  • Security risk: Late monthly patches leave devices exposed to vulnerabilities longer than necessary.

How competitors are changing expectations

Samsung and Google have pushed the industry expectations higher. Samsung now offers extensive multi-year support even for some midrange lines, and Google’s flagship program emphasizes multi-generation updates. For instance, budget-friendly phones like the Galaxy A16 receive more predictable and longer support than many Motorola models.

Why this matters beyond inconvenience

Slow or inconsistent updates affect more than convenience. Security patches protect sensitive data; timely OS upgrades bring performance improvements and compatibility with new apps. When updates lag, users face a weaker device experience and greater security exposure. Imagine relying on your phone for banking or work and then missing an important patch for months.

Practical advice for Motorola owners

If you own a Motorola device and care about updates, consider these steps:

  • Check Motorola’s official update pages and community forums for rollout schedules and known issues.
  • Back up your data before applying major updates; install updates during off-hours in case you need to troubleshoot.
  • Use reputable security apps and enable built-in protections while waiting for official patches.
  • If long-term updates matter, research brand support policies before your next purchase — some rivals offer clearer, longer commitments.

Motorola’s marketing still promises multi-year support, but the rollout experience tells a different story. As Android 16 approaches, many users will be watching closely to see if the company can close the gap between promise and performance.

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