How lengthy does it take a fledgling {hardware} startup to ship a serious Android replace to its first smartphone? In the case of Nothing, we’re a number of months and a flip of the calendar into 2023. As famous by Android Authority, the corporate has confirmed that its spectacular Phone 1 will obtain Android 13 “in the first half of 2023.” That may disappoint at the very least some patrons who’d hoped the near-stock Android gadget would get the most recent model someday this 12 months.

“Before releasing, we want to fine tune the software upgrade with Nothing’s hardware,” the corporate’s assertion reads. Android 13 was launched for Google’s Pixel lineup final week, with Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Sony, Xiaomi, Asus, and different corporations planning to roll out the replace “later this year.” So, by holding off till 2023, Nothing is placing itself behind the pack. Here’s the total assertion:

We are at all times working exhausting to enhance the Phone 1 person expertise. To guarantee this, working system updates shall be made out there for normal obtain. In regards to Android 13, this shall be launching for Phone 1 customers within the first half of 2023. Before releasing, we wish to fantastic tune the software program improve with Nothing’s {hardware}. We will make sure to hold you up to date with additional info.

Last week, Nothing co-founder and CEO Carl Pei tipped off that the Phone 1 gained’t be seeing Android 13 anytime quickly when he responded to a query on the topic with a complete nonanswer.

Coming after final 12 months’s important redesign, Android 13 is basically a refinement launch that improves day-to-day efficiency and stability. So far, it’s gotten excessive reward from Pixel homeowners based mostly on what I’ve seen throughout social media and Reddit. Many are reporting smoother animations and a greater total expertise.

But there are some new options included, akin to per-app language choice, a revamped media participant, help for Bluetooth Low Energy, and the power to stream messages from Android apps on to a person’s Chromebook.

Among Android telephone makers, OnePlus is usually the quickest firm apart from Google to roll out huge Android releases — for its newest flagship, at the very least. The wait will be longer for older gadgets. Samsung has step by step picked up the tempo throughout its lineup. But in the event you’ve bought, say, a Motorola or Sony telephone, particular replace timing will be one thing of a crapshoot.

It may at all times be worse: Qualcomm’s Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders remains to be caught on Android 11 regardless of its $1,500 price ticket, with updates now coming so few and much between that individuals who took an opportunity on shopping for the telephone are satisfied it’s been deserted.