Surface Duo 2 at end of life: Microsoft rolls out last security update

Microsoft is laying the Surface Duo 2 to rest: the last security update for Microsoft's unconventional foldable phone is currently being distributed. Support for the Surface Duo 2 officially ends on October 21. It is therefore unlikely that a further update will be released.

The new and presumably last security update was noticed by owners of the phone on Reddit. It was distributed as part of Microsoft's monthly patch day. Overall, Microsoft's update strategy is likely to annoy most owners of the Duo 2: security updates were only available for three years. Other manufacturers such as Google now promise seven years of updates for their current cell phones. This would probably be difficult for Microsoft to achieve, especially as the company has since withdrawn from the cell phone sector.

It is also annoying for users that the Surface Duo 2 has only received a single major Android update. The phone started with Android 11 and died with version 12L –, the customized version of Android 12 for tablets and foldable phones. This means that the Duo 2 has not been upgraded to a newer version than its predecessor –. The first Duo started with Android 10 and was also on Android 12 at the end of support. Microsoft had already announced the end of support for the Duo 2 last year.

Controversial folding concept

With the Duo, Microsoft pursued a unique and unconventional interpretation of modern foldable phones: While other manufacturers install continuous displays that can be folded in the middle, Microsoft opted for two separate panels connected by a hinge.

This technically less ambitious concept should help with longevity, among other things – to what extent this is a valid argument when update support ends after just three years is another question. One disadvantage of the Duo concept from the outset was that the hinge between the two display halves is clearly visible and the two panels are separated by a gap.

(dahe)