However, it is still based on Android 10, meaning the Android 11 update is still a distant dream for the Surface Duo. The dual-screen phone was introduced back in 2020. It was Microsoft’s answer to the thriving foldable smartphone market, but the device failed miserably. Though the product design, the hinge, and overall aesthetics of the device were solid, it was the software that ruined the complete user experience. The Android 10 operating system wasn’t fully compatible with the Surface Duo’s dual screens. Some apps even failed to pan across both screens, while some were totally glitchy to even open. There were a bunch of updates released to fix such compatibility issues, but they weren’t sufficient. Fast forward to now, the device is receiving the latest September 2021 security update. Sadly, it is based on Android 10, which is the current OS the device is running on.
Microsoft Surface Duo September update is live in North America and Europe
According to the official Microsoft website, the update is currently live for users in North America and Europe. The update is rolling out with firmware version 2021.817.35 in North America. Whereas, it is live as firmware version 2021.817.37 for European users. As reported by PhoneArena, the firmware 2021.817.36 is for the AT&T Surface Duo carrier variant units. In order to install the new update, you can navigate to Settings > System > System Update > Check for update. If a new update is available for your device and region, then you can tap on the notification to begin the download. It is pretty sad to see, while other brands are prepping up for Android 12’s release, Microsoft is lagging in providing Android 11 update for the Surface Duo device. Interestingly, months before the official launch of the device in September 2020, Microsoft claimed to be already working on an Android 11 update for the device. The Surface Duo was supposed to get updated with Android 11 shortly after its launch. Of course, that is nowhere close to reality. Besides, there are rumors floating around on the internet regarding the upcoming Surface Duo 2 device. We expect the device to come with Android 11 out of the box, even though Android 12 would have gone official by then. Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is speculated to come with Snapdragon 888 SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM. It is also rumored to pack a triple camera setup and a 3,577mAh battery. All these are rumored specs, which will only be confirmed after its official launch.
