Asus ZenFone Max M1 Android Pie 9.0 beta update now available (Download link inside)

Whenever a device gets a successor, it automatically ceases to be the respective company’s topmost priority with respect to software updates. That is just how brutal the smartphone world can get and it’s the exact thing Asus ZenFone Max M1 users are now going through.

For a while, the ZenFone Max M1 was one of the best budget phones in the market. The device offered dual-lens cameras at a mere INR 7,499 at launch, an equivalent of about $100 at the time.

Asus ZenFone Max M1

Still, the ZenFone Max M1 was always overshadowed by the superior ZenFone Max Pro M1, which commanded an equally compelling price at launch for what it brought to the table. But with the launch of the ZenFone Max M2 and Max Pro M2, the OG models are no longer Asus’ favorite sons.

Sure, the ZenFone Max Pro M1 hasn’t been forgotten that much compared to the standard Max M1. The device got the update to Android Pie beta only a month after the same update was availed for the ZenFone Max Pro M2. All this happened in February 2019.

ZenFone Max Pro M1 got Pie beta in late Feb. 2019

These two have also been subjects of recent updates to August security patches and even though it was great seeing both receive the latest patches available, the updates have downgraded the devices’ Widevine L1 support to L3, meaning no HD streaming from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and so on.

As of this writing, Asus is already looking into the August update issue that downgrades Widevine certification for users of both devices.

(Source)

While all this was happening, those who stuck with the Max M1 didn’t receive much attention from Asus with respect to Android OS updates, at least until now. Sure, Asus has been rolling out regular security updates, but it’s only now that users of the device can finally switch to Android Pie.

Android Pie beta is now available for ZenFone Max M1 units (Source)

Even after such a long wait, the update is still arriving as a beta version, meaning it’s not suitable for use as a daily driver. It carries software version WW-16.00.1906.411, meaning its aimed for the WW SKU. Asus warns that this update will erase your data, so be sure to create a backup first.

– Android 9 (Pie) Beta version is now available for download.
– This is the Android 9 (Pie) Beta version, so the user experience will be different from Android 8 (Oreo). If you are used to and prefer using Android 8 (Oreo), we recommend that you continue with the Android 8 (Oreo) version.
– Android 9 (Pie) AOSP Beta version will not be supported with routine updates
Source

It’s unlikely that the above Pie-based update will show up as an OTA on your ZenFone Max M1. Granted, interested parties may grab the ROM from the link provided below and do a manual installation, but do keep in mind that this beta version won’t receive regular OTA updates.

• Device: Asus ZenFone Max M1
• Model No: ZB555KL (X00PD)
• Channel: WW SKU
• Version: 16.00.1906.411
• Android: 9.0 beta
  • Type: Recovery
    • Download: Link

NOTE: You can check out more Asus-related coverage here.

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