ZTE launches Axon 7 Android 8.0 Oreo beta program in the US

ZTE has announced an Android 8.0 Oreo beta program for Axon 7 users in the US. The Chinese OEM confirmed that it was testing Oreo internally just a few weeks ago, but it now wants a limited number of users to help out ahead of a public release.

A Z-Community moderator confirmed the beta in a forum post earlier today. The post calls on Axon 7 users with a US model (A2017U) on the latest build (B35) to apply for the program, noting that due to limited space, the first wave of beta testers will be chosen based on their “familiarity with Android”.

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While there isn’t an exact timeframe given for the beta, the post does confirm that ZTE will be testing in phases. If you’re interested in apply, be sure to head here and fill in the details in the linked Google Form.

The Axon 7 originally launched way back in the middle of 2016 running Android Marshmallow and later Nougat.

There were initially some question marks over whether the Axon 7 would be skipped over for the next major OS upgrade, especially following the release of the experimental Axon M and then reports that direct successor, now known as the Axon 9, was in the works.

Thankfully for fans of the cult classic device, ZTE confirmed late last year that it would bring Oreo to the ‘flagship killer’. The update is also expected to deliver a “pure” Android experience thanks to a new UI dubbed “Stock+”.

While Axon 7 users may have to wait until at least April for a public build of Android 8.0 Oreo, the beta announcement is at least a step in the right direction. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments.