The rumored 2015 second-generation Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 will likely be the first devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, known to developers as Android M. Other Nexus devices are likely to follow (see the list here), but a new rumor indicates that HTC may have a handset launching soon after Android M's release date running the latest Google OS out of the box.

That's according to a leak from well-known insider and Android ROM developer @LlabTooFeR (via Phone Arena), who stated the HTC One A9 Aero will have a release date in either October or November, running Android 6.0 Marshmallow immediately upon release.

If true, that would make the rumored HTC device the first non-Nexus to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It seems a stretch, and it at least seems it would at least require the HTC One A9 Aero to be close to a "Pure Android" device, forgoing the custom UX (and possibly some of HTC's software) that HTC usually puts on every smartphone it makes.

But contrary to that conventional wisdom, @LlabTooFeR boldly claimed that the HTC One A9 Aero will launch with both Android 6.0 and HTC Sense:

As far as supporting evidence, there are a few big pieces of the puzzle to consider: First, HTC has already confirmed the launch of a "hero" device in the latter part of 2015.

Second, the troubled Taiwanese smartphone maker has scheduled a press event on the same day, Sept. 29, that Google has invited reporters to see the (presumed) launch of its latest Nexus devices and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Coincidence, perfectly timed smartphone launch, or desperate attention-seeking gesture from a company on the decline? We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks.

Related