Google: Nexus 9 will get Android 5.1, starting today!

After being stuck on Android 5.0.1 for way longer than it should have been, earlier this week, Nexus 9 owners were given an update for their devices, but not to Android 5.1 or 5.1.1 — to Android 5.0.2. For those that were disappointed, angry, or flat out confused by the move, the good news is that the update to Android 5.1 is finally here … Almost.

Taking to Twitter, the Nexus team revealed that the Android 5.1 OTA will begin rolling out to the Nexus 9 starting today. In Google’s usual fashion, we can expect the rollout to happen in gradual stages, so don’t be surprised if it is still a few days or even weeks before the OTA hits your device.

Starting today, #AndroidLollipop update 5.1 will be rolling out to a #Nexus9 near you. pic.twitter.com/oxOvrujzmB

— Nexus (@googlenexus) May 7, 2015
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With the Nexus 9 Android 5.1 update finally on its way, it seems pretty obvious that the 5.0.2 update was rolled out as a necessity, to set the stage for a 5.1 rollout, and not to further anger Nexus 9 owners. Of course letting folks know Google’s intentions through some kind of an announcement earlier this week probably would have been a smart move.

While the tweet mentions Android 5.1, it is possible this is actually 5.1.1, but we wouldn’t bet on it just yet. Still, Android 5.1 brings a number of bug fixes and other minor improvements, and we are glad that the Nexus 9 is no longer being left out in the dark. We’ll be sure to update you as soon as OTA images start rolling out, or Google posts up the factory images.