Software support for Android devices is usually far shorter than their Apple counterparts, with many devices receiving only one or two Android version upgrades before their capable hardware is virtually abandoned by the manufacturer. However, there are many enthusiasts who take advantage of Android’s open nature and install unofficial aftermarket firmware (also known as custom ROMs) to extend the lifetime of their device.
One of the most popular custom ROMs for Android is LineageOS, the spiritual successor to the even more popular CyanogenMod ROM from before 2016. The ROM currently supports over 175 devices across many manufacturers, including devices that shipped with older versions like Android Kitkat. LineageOS has now added support for four additional devices, the Nextbit Robin, the Moto G5, Moto G5S and the Moto E5 Plus, according to a
report
by XDA.
Users who own these four devices and wish to run Android 10 (via LineageOS 17.1) can look up the LineageOS download page and the wiki for their device, to learn how to install the operating system to their phones. LineageOS is also working on the latest version, Android 11 - which could be made available later this year, presumably as LineageOS
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Unfortunately, since LineageOS is ultimately a community-run organisation, with ‘maintainers’ supporting devices of their choice in their free time, it is not uncommon for many devices to stop receiving support when no one is available. Such is the fate of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Note 9, as well as the Redmi Note 7 and the Oppo Find 7.
According to XDA, the support for these devices has ended because the maintainers who update those devices have clearly mentioned a lack of time or having no access to the device to test their updates. As LineageOS is considered one of the best custom ROMs available, maintainers are not allowed to support devices they do not own - ‘blind’ builds are not allowed. Users can still look for other ROMs that do have maintainers and install them instead.
