All existing Windows Phone 8 devices are upgradable to WP8.1 Microsoft exec confirms

Back in 2012, when Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8, the existing WP7.5 users were all disappointed as well as angry, as they were not able to update their devices to Windows Phone 8. It led much criticism to Microsoft for not allowing existing Windows Phone 7.5 the update. But this won’t happen this time. The next major OS (update likely to be called Windows Phone 8.1) will roll out to existing Windows Phone 8 device users.

Greg Sullivan, Windows Phone director of public relations at Microsoft recently confirmed Computerworld that the existing Windows Phone 8 devices would be compatible to support the upcoming major Windows Phone OS update. Mr. Sullivan termed Windows Phone 8 platform “Powerful”, unlike the previous WP7.5 platform, and it is capable of supporting the updates.

So, it can be assumed that all existing Windows Phone 8 devices are going to be updated to latest update if wireless carriers distribute the update among carrier locked devices. But Mr. Sullivan didn’t confirm neither the name of the next update nor the time it will be released. However he added company’s latest policy is to support updates for 36 months (3 years) on a device.

So, this is certainly a good news for Windows Phone 8 users and Microsoft is also gaining the trust of its consumers. Budget device like Nokia Lumia 520, which is the most used Windows Phone 8 device now, and if this device can be updated to the Windows Phone 8.1 or whatever it will be called it will be great news for budget buyers.