Google's EOL policy for Chrome OS devices gets extended to 6.5 years

[Arthur]

The EOL policy is now called the Auto Update policy.

 

Source: Google (via Chrome Unboxed)

 

First, a name change. The End of Life policy, in recent months, has been renamed the Auto Update policy. This is, in my opinion, a much more fitting name for the policy. When a device ceases to receive updates that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Just recently I saw a user in the Chromebook Central forum who is still using her new 6 year old CR-48 on a daily basis. Which leads me to the next, and more important change to the policy.

 

The Chromebook Auto Update Expiration (AUE) has now been extended to six and a half (6.5) years. That’s a pretty big jump from five. Extending updates for an extra 18 months can afford administrators the needed time to budget for replacement devices.

 

The Google support page specifically addresses business and education devices and the original consumer support page now forward to the same page. That would lead me to believe the Auto Update policy will apply to consumer devices as well. Keep in mind the dates from the support page are not official unless otherwise notated. This means updates can extend past these dates but are guaranteed to continue to at least the date listed.

 

*Update* The second bullet point after the first paragraph of the support page clearly states the AUE policy DOES apply to consumer devices.

Edited March 7, 2017 by Arthur

[NB9457]

I'd be surprised if our Chromebooks see 4 year old!

[Arthur]

I'd be surprised if our Chromebooks see 4 year old!

Is that due to how the Chromebooks are being treated?

[NB9457]

Is that due to how the Chromebooks are being treated?

It's the fact how heavily they're used, the batteries and integrated and they are a bit flimsy. No vandalism, but they are cheap and that shows!

[FN-GM]

Does anyone know if this extension has resulted in this list being updated please?

 

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

[Arthur]

Does anyone know if this extension has resulted in this list being updated please?

The list was updated back in March. I am not aware of any changes since then.

Edited May 1, 2017 by Arthur

[FN-GM]

Dam, We have the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) and they support date hasn't changed.

[Arthur]

Dam, We have the Dell Chromebook 11 (3120) and the support date hasn't changed.

It must be classed as a legacy device so only gets 5 years?

[FN-GM]

It must be classed as a legacy device so only gets 5 years?

 

Shame really as until very recently it was the latest Dell Chromebook.