Nexus 4 Is History as Google Focuses on Fast Nexus 5 Release

The Nexus 4 is no longer available on the Google Play Store and multiple sources indicate it will not make a return as Google sets its focus on the Nexus 5 release, which could be very close.

Google announced the Nexus 4 less than a year ago as the company’s affordable flagship smartphone, but the lack of LTE and relatively small internal storage options likely led to the early retirement.

The Nexus 4 bows out gracefully as the Nexus 5 arrives on the scene in an official Android 4.4 update video, the FCC, photos, renders and in Nexus 5 videos taken at a bar.

At this point it seems Google is doing everything it can to get the Nexus 5 in front of consumers, and with the Nexus 4 no longer offered for sale, a launch and Nexus 5 release can’t be too far off.

The Nexus 4 is no longer available from Google.

Google cleared out the Nexus 4 8GB units last week with a limited time sale and the Nexus 4 16GB is now out of stock with the message, “We are out of inventory. Please check back soon.”

But, according to The Verge and AllThings D, there is no need to check back now or anytime soon.The Verge’s source says this is the end for the Nexus 4, and AllThings D reports, “sources say that Google has no plans to replenish supplies of the device,” all of which points to a very fast Nexus 5 release date.

Typically companies leave the old models on the market at least up until a new phone announcement to avoid losing sales of aging hardware, but it appears Google wants people to wait for the Nexus 5.

One reason for this decision could be a switch to manufacturing the Nexus 5 ahead of the announcement, in order to avoid the supply issues which prevented many buyers from getting the Nexus 4 during the first several months of sales.

The latest rumor suggests Google is planning a Nexus 5 event for October 14th, one day ahead of a rumored Apple iPad and new MacBook Pro event. This event would also mark the official unveiling of Android 4.4 KitKat.

The Nexus 5 release date is not known, but with the Nexus 4 off the market we can expect swift moves from Google. Google’s past actions suggest the company could deliver a Nexus 5 release date as quickly as 2 weeks after a launch event.

This is likely the Nexus 5 courtesy of the FCC.

The Nexus 5 appears to share a design with the Nexus 7 including a matte black finish. We expect a Nexus 5 camera with optical image stabilization and it looks like the Nexus 5 will feature an upgraded battery and the same, no Micro SD card closed design.