Vivo Declares Android 16 as the Last Major OS Update for Several of Its Phones
Vivo has made significant strides recently in releasing software updates ahead of competitors, having launched their Android 15 update well before other brands and even Google's Pixel devices last year. This year, Vivo is gearing up to roll out Android 16 paired with its custom Funtouch OS 16 interface, expected to bring a suite of fresh features and performance enhancements to its devices.
The Android 16 update will begin its phased deployment on Vivo smartphones imminently. However, users of certain Vivo models should be aware that this will be their final major system upgrade. In other words, these phones will run Android 16 for the remainder of their lifecycle, receiving only minor security patches, but no future Android version upgrades like Android 17.
Which Vivo Phones Will Stop at Android 16?
The following Vivo devices are slated to receive Android 16 with Funtouch OS 16 as their ultimate major update. This list spans multiple series and price segments, highlighting the brand's mixed approach to update support:
- Vivo X90 series: X90, X90 Pro, X90 Pro+, X90s
- Vivo V40 family: V40, V40e, V40 Pro, V40 Lite, V40 SE
- Vivo V30 models: V30, V30e, V30 Pro, V30 SE, V30 Lite 4G
- Vivo T3 lineup: T3, T3 Pro, T3 Ultra, T3 Lite, T3x
- Vivo Y-series smartphones: Y300, Y300 Plus, Y300 Pro, Y200 4G, Y200e, Y200 Pro, Y200+, Y200 GT, Y200i, Y200t, Y100 4G, Y39, Y29 4G, Y29s, Y19
- iQOO devices: iQOO 11, 11 Pro, Z9, Z9x, Z9 Lite, Z9s, Z9s Pro
Despite being a broad list, it illustrates Vivo’s tendency to conclude major updates earlier on mid-range and budget phones, whereas flagship models and premium devices enjoy lengthier support cycles.
Vivo’s Update Strategy: Fast Yet Uneven
Vivo’s update rollout has been applauded for speed, launching Android 15 ahead of many competitors last year, even besting Google’s own Pixel lineup. However, the company's policy lacks transparency and uniformity, especially when it comes to mid-tier and entry-level devices, which see fewer major OS upgrades.
Flagship smartphones, by contrast, typically receive updates more rapidly and over a longer period, including new features and enhanced security patches, reflecting Vivo's focus on its premium segment for sustained user experience improvements.
What Does This Mean for Vivo Users?
Owners of phones listed to stop at Android 16 should anticipate stable performance with the new Funtouch OS interface and improved features, but beyond this, they should not expect further Android version updates. Security patches will still be delivered for some time, but users seeking the latest Android innovations might need to consider upgrading their devices after the update completes rollout.
This approach is a common balance among smartphone brands—prioritizing support for flagship devices while gradually phasing out major upgrades for older or budget models. Vivo’s evolving software experience with Funtouch OS 16 on Android 16 aims to enhance usability and integrate intelligent features to prolong device relevance despite the final OS version limitation.