Final Software Update for Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Marks Its End

The final software update for the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has been released, signifying the conclusion of Microsoft’s short-lived venture in the smartphone segment. Released in October 2021, the Surface Duo 2 followed the poorly received original Surface Duo, which was unveiled in September 2019 and subsequently launched in October 2020.

The last update for the Surface Duo 2 is approximately 55MB in size, with the update notes indicating that it “enhances the performance and stability of your Surface Duo 2.”

While competitors like Samsung, OPPO, and OnePlus have thrived in the foldable market, Microsoft’s attempt at creating a book-style smartphone did not resonate well with consumers. The design of the Surface Duo 2, lacking an external display and featuring dual inner screens with a noticeable gap, detracted from the user experience.

Last year, Microsoft concluded software update support for the original Surface Duo, and now it’s the turn of the Surface Duo 2.

Reports from Windows Central highlighted a significant drawback of the Surface Duo 2: it only saw one upgrade to its Android operating system—from Android 11 to Android 12 (specifically Android 12L, which brought noteworthy improvements).

This Android 12L upgrade was issued in October 2022, and thereafter, the Surface Duo 2 has not received any major updates during its final two years.

The official Microsoft site specifies that the lifecycle for the Surface Duo 2 ends on October 21.

Unless something extraordinary occurs or Microsoft has unforeseen plans, this recent update marks the end of updates for the Surface Duo 2. This device represented Microsoft’s second attempt to carve a niche in the smartphone arena, following the Lumia series. The future of Microsoft’s involvement in the smartphone industry remains uncertain.

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