Alcatel has started seeding the Android 6.0 update for last year’s flagship smartphone, the Idol 3. The Idol 3 has been stuck on Android 5.0.2 since launch with the device only receiving minor bug fixes and security patches (to fix Stagefright and others) but no version bumps over the last one year.
According to Alcatel, the update is available to all unlocked Idol 3s since carriers need to test the update before making it available to devices locked to their networks.
The Alcatel Idol 3 garnered rave reviews as one of the best budget smartphones in 2015 and owing to its popularity, Marshmallow’s 10.1% market share is likely to get a significant boost as the update hits the devices of more users.
Since it has not been specified, it is our understanding that both the 4.7-inch and the 5.5-inch smartphones are receiving the update. Our own test units are yet to get the update, though, and it appears that the US is going first while the rest will follow in coming days. There have been unconfirmed sightings of the update in Europe according to postings on the Idol 3 subreddit.
This is what we had to say in our parting shot of the Idol 3’s review last year:
TCL, the makers of the device will need to speed up the rate at which they update the software on their devices if they are to make a lasting impression on users. While its rivals at that price have Android 5.1.1, the Idol 3 is still stuck on Android 5.0.2. Being one of the most high profile Alcatel OneTouch devices, our guess (and hope) is that updates will start arriving in the new year.
We’re glad that this is finally happening even though it could be a few more weeks before the update hits all the devices.
