Then why has my wife's unbranded Xperia Z5 on Vodafone got the latest version and my Xperia Z5 on Spark hasn't ? . I tried to load the latest firmware from XperiaBlog but the installation programme said my Bootloader was locked and it would not proceed with the update. I assumed Spark had locked it as this was the "Spectre" release with their flashy logo on startup. Any helpful answers greatly received

Most likely as the device is locked to Spark and the manufacture has provided Vodafone the latest firmware to test and approve then the manufacture pushes it out. I suppose this has not happened for Spark. Look through forums and look at the rage from users on Samsung products where one camp gets it a week before the other ETC.

I am sure there are many viable options on XDA that do not require root. Might need to pay to unlock it though. 

I have a two similar related questions....

I bought an unlocked 2degrees branded Samsung S8... I put a Skinny SIM in it.

Do the updates (particularly Android updates) come (pushed) from 2degrees, Spark, Skinny or Samsung? (I am sure it did receive an automatic update a few months back)

And, having received an update, is it still a 2degrees mobile... or has that now changed to Skinny... or spark? (There is no branding at start up, but there is an un-deletable 2degrees app installed).

Updates are not related to the carriers SIM card in the handset and Samsung push out the updates

Linux

In general, you shouldn't expect any updates to an Android phone after you buy it.

Maybe one day in the future Google will somehow take more control back from the plethora of manufacturers and be responsible for updates. Maybe a common driver platform with Google responsible for the OS up, plus a manufacturer skin. I wouldn't hold your breath though.

Linux: Spark don't release it Sony push it out

Linux

kyhwana2:

Linux: Spark don't release it Sony push it out

Linux

If it's a spark sold phone with a Spark ROM, Spark absolutely do push it out. (Once they receive it from Sony, of course)

Linux:

kyhwana2:

Linux: Spark don't release it Sony push it out

Linux

If it's a spark sold phone with a Spark ROM, Spark absolutely do push it out. (Once they receive it from Sony, of course)

No Spark don't push it out, Spark siimply test it and then go back to Sony saying approved or not

Then it's back to Sony to push out

Linux

ubernoob: Ahhh, so if I put my wife's Voda sim in it should update and then I can put my Spark one back in ????

No. It's still a Spark handset regardless of what SIM it has in it.

timmmay:

 

In general, you shouldn't expect any updates to an Android phone after you buy it.

 

Maybe one day in the future Google will somehow take more control back from the plethora of manufacturers and be responsible for updates. Maybe a common driver platform with Google responsible for the OS up, plus a manufacturer skin. I wouldn't hold your breath though.

 

Having had Nexus 4 and 5, Samsung Galaxy 6 & 7, and more recently Sony XZ, I cannot complain of both Android system updates, security patches, or application updates. Ditto with Amazon Fire HD and Fire TV. Yes the plethora of manufacturers does cause fragmentation but the mainstream vendors do OK in MHO

Frizzup