LG posts kernel sources for the G8 ThinQ and V40 ThinQ’s Android Pie update

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LG’s current software update situation can be best described with one word: messy. LG’s update roadmap for Android Pie only included the LG G7 ThinQ for Q1 2019, glossing over the LG V40 ThinQ which was released at a later date and relegating it to Q2 2019. Android Pie on LG first arrived on the LG G7 One, which wasn’t too surprising since the device is part of the Android One program. Then, in January 2019, the Android Pie update for the LG G7 began rolling out in Korea. The LG G8 ThinQ was launched with Android Pie, so that makes it a total of three devices which have officially received Android Pie from LG. While the LG V40 still awaits its update (we were unable to locate the update at the time of writing), LG has gone ahead and posted kernel sources for Android Pie for the LG V40 as well as for the LG G8.

LG G8 XDA Forums LG V40 XDA Forums

Kernel sources are available for the LG G8’s LMG820UM, LMG820UM0, LMG820UM1, and LMG820UMB variants. For the LG V40, kernel sources for the (upcoming) Android Pie update are available for the LMV405UA, LMV405UA1 and LMV405UAB variants — LMV405UA is the variant available from AT&T and Sprint, while LMV405AB is the Verizon model, thus indicating that the Android Pie update for these models is coming soon.

Kernel sources for the LG G8 Kernel sources for the LG V40

While we appreciate the kernel source release, we also hope that LG puts greater emphasis on quicker software update cycles for the future. Most other OEMs have performed much better in rolling out Android 9 to their portfolio of devices, while LG has been their usual slow selves. Pushing out updates very late will take away consumer confidence and make LG bleed brand loyalty in the long term. If LG ever wants to reign at the top of the smartphone market, this is one area where they can certainly improve.