Microsoft has released a final end-of-life software update for the Surface Duo 2 foldable smartphone. The Redmond-based tech giant is finally saying goodbye to its second foldable handset. The device was originally launched in 2021 as a successor to the original Surface Duo. However, the company only offered a single major Android software update for the Surface Duo 2.
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is finally approaching its end of life on October 21. Before that, the company released one last Android 12-based update for the foldable. The update was first spotted by a user on Reddit, who revealed that it's a mere 54MB upgrade. As Windows Central notes, the foldable smartphone only ever received a single Android OS update. The device was released running Android 11 and was only upgraded to Android 12 during its lifetime.
Microsoft released the Android 12 (specifically 12L) update for the Surface Duo 2 one year after the launch. The update brought some major big-screen optimizations. However, the brand hasn't provided a single major update to the Duo 2 users in the two years since.
According to Microsoft's website, the last planned security update for the Duo 2 will be released on October 21, 2024. However, since the latest update is a mere 54MB upgrade, it's highly unlikely the brand will release anything major before the end of life on October 21. That said, the changelog of the latest update mentions that it improves the performance and stability of the Duo 2.
Microsoft forayed into the Android foldable smartphone market with the Surface Duo in 2020. Just like its successor, the original Duo never received timely OS updates. However, it received more than one major Android OS update. The device was launched running Android 10. However, the company did upgrade the Surface Duo to Android 11 and Android 12L during its lifecycle.
It was still short of the usual three major OS upgrades major Android manufacturers deliver. However, its update life cycle was much better than the Surface Duo 2. That said, the discontinuation of the Surface Duo devices aligns with the brand's plans to streamline its Surface devices.