Editor
Lloyd Kelly Miralles chevron_right
Realme is gearing up to launch realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16, but not every handset will leap. A breakdown of the company’s published software-support policy, first compiled by Philippine tech outlet YugaTech, suggests that at least 21 devices could be cut off from the next major upgrade.
Why the sudden cut-off?
Realme promises a maximum of three Android version upgrades for its flagship GT line and only two for most mid-range and budget phones. With Android 16 now on the horizon, any phone that launched on Android 14 (or earlier, if it already received its quota) is effectively at the end of that road. Gadget blog Gizmochina cross-checked the policy against launch firmware versions and arrived at a similar conclusion.
Gizmochina
The provisional “not-eligible” list
Important: Realme has not released an official eligibility sheet. This list is based on policy maths and may still change once the final roadmap drops.
- realme 11 (LTE / 5G)
- realme 11 Pro
- realme 11 Pro+
- realme 11x
- realme GT 2
- realme GT 2 Pro
- realme GT 2 Explorer Master
- realme GT 5G
- realme GT Master
- realme GT Neo 3
- realme GT Neo 3T
- realme Narzo 60
- realme Narzo 60 Pro
- realme Narzo 60x
- realme Narzo N55
- realme Narzo N53
- realme C67
- realme C55
- realme C53
- realme C51
- realme C51s
What does it mean for owners
| Tier | Expected support ceiling | Practical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship GT series | Android 16 is the cap for 2022 models; older GTs stop at 15 | Fewer security patches after 2026, resale value dips |
| Number / Narzo series | Two OS bumps max → Android 15 ceiling | Users miss Google’s new Private Space & smarter multitasking |
| Budget C-series | Traditionally two OS bumps → Android 15 ceiling | 2024 launches may get only security patches in 2026 |
If your phone appears on the skip-list, you’ll still get security fixes for at least a year, but no new Android features. Realme advises users who must have the latest OS to consider newer models such as the realme GT 7 or the upcoming realme 14 series, both slated to ship with Android 16 out of the box.
How Realme stacks up against rivals
- Samsung & Google: up to 7 OS upgrades on 2024+ devices
- Oppo & Nothing: 5 OS upgrades
- Realme: up to *4 (upcoming GT 7 only); most get 3 or fewer
The discrepancy has drawn criticism from analysts who say longer software support is quickly becoming table stakes in the Android world.
Bottom line
Until Realme publishes an official rollout calendar, the list above remains provisional — but it lines up closely with the brand’s own written policy. If longevity matters to you, now may be the time to budget for a newer handset or look toward manufacturers with longer support pledges.