Google planning to require OEMs distribute regular security updates for Android

Android device manufacturers may soon need to more regularly release security updates in order to maintain their distribution rights with Google.

According to an article by Mishaal Rahman at XDA Developers, Google has changed the agreement that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are bound to when looking to distribute products running the Android operating system.

The specific details of the modifications made to the agreement have not been disclosed, but David Kleidermacher, Google’s head of Android platform security, has stated that they will "lead to a massive increase in the number of devices and users receiving regular security patches." Outside of that, the required frequency of security update distribution and timeline to implement these new requirements are not yet known.