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I recently bought a Google Pixel 4a. The link from the title outlines that security updates from Google will soon be ending for the Pixel 4a (though there was a surprise update in November, but no further updates are expected).

Yet, in spite of that, I assume that LineageOS security updates will continue for this phone, since for a variety of other older phones they have continued. But, I wonder, how will this be achieved? Is there information on how LineageOS creates and releases security updates for the devices that it supports?

  • notthebees@reddthat.com
    7·
    7 months ago

    Since Lineage OS is a fork of the Android Open source project (AOSP). All security commits that are added to AOSP eventually end up in Lineage OS. Say for example, there was a vulnerability that was patched and it was added to the AOSP source code. It ends up going to the Lineage OS code and the team that handles the core of LOS might tweak it to have it work better with it’s codebase. Then it gets turned into a device specific image and you get updates.

    I had a moto e2 lte that lost support right after I got it in early 2016. (I live in the US, US, Aus, and CN markets stopped getting updates after Android 5.1.1 while everywhere else for Android 6). With Lineage OS I’d still get updates.

    That being said it’s been a decent while since I’ve worked with Lineage OS as that phone struggles with anything past android 7. My information isn’t the most accurate but it’s the general gist of it.

      • digger
        2·
        7 months ago

        I’m on a 4a. I switched over to Lineage after what I thought was my last update. I’ve been getting weekly updates since. No promises I’ll get the bump to Lineage 21 when it comes, but for now the 4a is still getting updates. I’ll be with this device until one of us dies. I don’t know how I will cope without a rear mount fingerprint sensor.

  • Arghblarg
    3·
    7 months ago

    I know you asked specifically about security updates, but I would add that lineageOS updates as a whole also depend on the willingness of volunteer maintainers for each model. It’s a thankless job, so I just wanted to put it out there that we do appreciate the work you do, maintainers!

    If you have a lesser-known model of phone, support can unfortunately go away at any time (RIP my Zenfone Laser).

    Very happy with the OnePlus 5T lineageOS team’s work.