Android 5.1 Lollipop Update Release Date for Moto G, Moto X 2013 & 2014 (1st and 2nd Gen), and Moto E

By Richard Waelty
The Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)
New feature with Android 5.1. Photo: CNET

Android 5.1 Lollipop updates have been confirmed for a number of Motorola devices including Moto X 2013, Moto X 2014, Moto E 1st Gen, and Moto E 2nd Gen. However, some devices such as the Moto G 1st Gen and Moto G 2nd Gen are not getting the Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware.

In the sections below, we will look at which Motorola handsets are getting the Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Moto X 2013

The Android 5.1 Lollipop update for Moto X (2013) may roll out in a few days, according to the latest announcement by Motorola's product manager David Shuster.

"Hey guys, quick update here for Moto X (1st Gen). We have started full soak testing again in the U.S. on the 5.1 Lollipop upgrade for our retail channels. If the data looks good, we'll move to full deployment in about a week," he explained on Google+.

Shuster also said a full soak test was initiated in Brazil and Canada on June 10.

Moto X 2014: Android 5.1 Update Delayed

Unfortunately, Motorola will be holding back the Android update for Moto X (2014) due to a bug that was discovered during testing.   

"I wanted to give an update on where we are with the Moto X (2nd Gen) soak testing," Shuster wrote in late May. "We ended up detecting an issue that we want to correct prior to moving to full deployment."

Even so, consumers can still expect to see Android 5.1 Lollipop being released for both Moto X versions at roughly the same time frame. According to TechWorm, Android 5.1 is coming to Moto X (2014) by the end of June or by mid-July.

Moto G 1st Gen, Moto G 2nd Gen

Motorola has not confirmed whether the Moto G 1st Gen and Moto G 2nd Gen is receiving Android 5.1 Lollipop. Currently, both versions of the Moto G are on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop.

According to GeekSnack, it is highly unlikely that either one of those devices will receive the future Android updates. These developments may prove to be a disappointment. The Moto G series has been a hit with budget-minded consumers seeking higher performance, but at a much lower price.

Earlier, Motorola released the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for the Moto G 1st Gen and Moto G 2nd Gen in India. It is not clear whether Motorola will update the Moto G series in other countries. Consumers should note that Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is the latest iteration of Android Lollipop. This is not to be confused with the earlier Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware.

Moto E Series

Days ago, Verizon began rolling out the Android 5.1 Lollipop update for the Moto E 2nd Gen. Consumers have been receiving their new firmware over-the-air in phases. In short, not every Moto E owner has the update. Even so, the roll out should be completed very soon.

Curiously, Motorola has release notes for Android 5.1 Lollipop on Moto E 1st Gen. However, the company has not given an ETA regarding when the device is getting updated. According to the XDA developers forum, Android 5.1 Lollipop is undergoing soak testing on the Moto E 1st Gen. There is no word regarding when the update will be ready. For now, Moto E 1st gen users will need to wait for more word from Motorola.

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