Microsoft has started to roll out the Windows 10 Mobile Fall Creators Update to all eligible handsets this week, but unlike previous “major” updates there is nothing to be excited about this time. Indeed, the build 15254.1 only brings minor Continuum improvements, new security features and well as more quality fixes, so those of you who won’t receive this update on older handsets probably won’t miss much.
While Windows 10 is now on Redstone 3, Windows 10 Mobile stayed on Redstone 2 with the “feature2” branch and it’s still not clear what will happen next, although the mobile OS has been put in “maintenance mode.” In the meantime though, we know that Windows 10 Mobile version 1709 will be supported through December 2019. Microsoft MVP Nawzil Najeeb summarized all the latest info about the Windows 10 Mobile Support Lifecycle yesterday (via All About Windows Phone):
Windows 10 Mobile Support Lifecycle
Support for Windows 10 Mobile is almost the same as other editions of Windows 10, but the support duration is slightly longer. Each version of Windows 10 Mobile is supported for around 26 months (2 years and 2 months) from the date of release.
End of support dates for each version of Windows 10 Mobile:
Windows 10 Mobile version 1511 build 10586 / Initial Release: January 9, 2018
Windows 10 Mobile version 1607 build 14393 / Anniversary Update: October 9, 2018
Windows 10 Mobile version 1703 build 15063 / Creators Update: June 11, 2019
Windows 10 Mobile version 1709 build 15254 / Fall Creators Update: December 10, 2019
It’s good to know that all Windows 10 Mobile handsets will continue to receive monthly quality and security updates for many more months. If you’re not ready to switch to iOS or Android, you’re fine for now, assuming you don’t suffer from the lack of quality apps on the Windows Store. However, it remains to be seen if Windows 10 Mobile will keep getting feature updates twice a year going forward, such as they are.
