Microsoft Surface Duo2 Bids Farewell with Final Update: Dual-Screen Phone Dreams Dashed, Microsoft Abandons Mobile Market Again

Microsoft Surface Duo2 Bids Farewell with Final Update: Dual-Screen Phone Dreams Dashed, Microsoft Abandons Mobile Market AgainThe Microsoft Surface Duo2 has just received what is likely its final security update, marking the definitive end of Microsoft's brief foray back into the smartphone market. The dual-screen phone, released in October 2021, initially promised three years of software updates

Microsoft Surface Duo2 Bids Farewell with Final Update: Dual-Screen Phone Dreams Dashed, Microsoft Abandons Mobile Market Again

The Microsoft Surface Duo2 has just received what is likely its final security update, marking the definitive end of Microsoft's brief foray back into the smartphone market. The dual-screen phone, released in October 2021, initially promised three years of software updates. However, Microsoft provided only one major Android version update, a stingy offering for a device priced at $1,500.

In contrast, the original Surface Duo at least saw more than one Android version update. The phone, launched with Android 10, received updates to Android 11 and Android 12L over its lifespan. While still not comparable to the three major OS updates offered by most Android manufacturers, it was a better showing than Surface Duo2.

Last year, Microsoft decided to trim its Surface device lineup, leading to the departure of former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay. This signaled Microsoft's resolve to abandon Android phone hardware. Since then, the Surface Duo business has been shelved, with the Surface Duo2 receiving its final security update before its October 21 support termination date. This confirms that Microsoft no longer plans to offer any official support for the device.

This signifies not just the end of the Surface Duo2 but also the complete failure of the entire Surface Duo product line. Microsoft seems to have completely given up on the idea of reviving its fortunes through future Android phone hardware.

This marks Microsoft's second attempt at abandoning the mobile phone business. The first was in 2017 with Windows Phone and Lumia, which ended in failure. Microsoft had a chance to recover with the Surface Duo, but ultimately fell short. Charging $1,500 for a phone that only received one new Android system update is inexcusable. Microsoft doesn't deserve a third chance.