The Windows 10 Mobile Creators Update is only coming to 13 eligible handsets

Microsoft may be dropping even more Windows phone devices from its list of supported handsets with the Creators Update, as a new report from ZDNet today claims that only 13 handsets will be eligible for the Windows 10 Mobile Creators Update starting April 25th.

The list is pretty depressing, with only the Lumia 640/XL, 550, 650 and 950/XL being the only Microsoft-made devices eligible for the Creators Update. All other Lumia devices, including the Lumia 930 and 1520, have been omitted from the list, meaning it appears they won't be getting the update.

Microsoft issued the following statement to ZDNet when asked if the list is true:

Beginning this month, Microsoft will release the Creators Update for Windows 10 customers including those using Windows 10 Mobile. As has been the case with pervious Windows updates, a device may not be able to receive the Creators Update if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer's ('OEM') support period. These devices will continue to receive security and servicing fixes according to our OS support policy. The full list of supported devices will be posted on the Product Lifecycle page soon."

So Microsoft hasn't exactly confirmed that they are dropping support for most Windows phones, but at the same time they haven't denied it either. It'll be an interested next couple of weeks to see if the list of real or not. For those curious, here is the full list of devices that are rumored to be getting the Creators Update on Mobile:

  • Alcatel IDOL 4S
  • Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
  • HP Elite x3
  • Lenovo Softbank 503LV
  • MCJ Madosma Q601
  • Microsoft Lumia 550
  • Microsoft Lumia 640/640XL
  • Microsoft Lumia 650
  • Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL
  • Trinity NuAns Neo
  • VAIO VPB051

This is an odd decision if true, as the Creators Update actually runs better on older hardware than the Anniversary Update. Hopefully Microsoft has an explanation if the list is true, as the "fans" deserve at least that.

If Microsoft is killing support for all those older devices, then it begs the question, what happens when the next release of Windows 10 Mobile arrives in the fall? How much longer do the Lumia 550, 650 and 950 have? All very important questions.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads