Big Changes Coming: Google’s Nest Thermostats to Stop Getting Updates — What It Means for You
Technology moves fast, and sometimes that means saying goodbye to older devices. Recently, Google announced some big news: starting October 25, 2025, some versions of the popular Nest Learning Thermostat will no longer receive software updates.
This decision affects the 1st Generation (2011), 2nd Generation (2012), and the European version of the 2nd Generation (2014) models. If you own one of these devices, it’s important to understand what’s happening, what it means for your smart home, and what options you have going forward.
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know — in simple, everyday language.
What’s Happening to the Old Nest Thermostats?
Starting in late October 2025, the following Nest thermostats will stop receiving updates:
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Nest Learning Thermostat (1st Gen, released in 2011)
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Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd Gen, released in 2012)
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Nest Learning Thermostat (European 2nd Gen, released in 2014)
Software updates will stop, which means:
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No new features will be added.
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No security improvements will be made.
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No bug fixes will be provided.
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Remote control through the Google Home app or Google Assistant will stop working.
However, you will still be able to:
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Manually change the temperature using the thermostat’s own controls.
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Modify schedules directly on the device.
In simple terms, your thermostat won’t become useless, but it will lose its "smart" remote features.
Will This Affect All Nest Thermostats?
Devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen, 2015) and the Nest Thermostat E (2018) will continue to work normally, receive updates, and stay connected with the Google Home app — at least for now.
However, Google has made another announcement about sales in Europe, which we'll explain next.
No More New Nest Thermostats for Europe?
Along with ending updates for older models, Google said it will stop selling newer Nest thermostats in Europe once current supplies run out.
This includes:
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Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen, 2015)
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Nest Thermostat E (2018)
Instead of continuing to battle these technical issues, Google decided to shift its strategy. While it will still sell its remaining inventory, once the current stock is gone, there won't be new Nest thermostats for Europe under the Google brand.
How Will Google Support Customers Affected by These Changes?
If you're using one of the soon-to-be unsupported Nest thermostats, don't worry — Google has a plan.
They announced:
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Impacted users will be offered discounts on newer smart thermostats.
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In Europe, users could receive up to 50% off a Tado Smart Thermostat X, a leading smart heating product compatible with many European heating systems.
In other words, Google is trying to make the transition easier for customers, recognizing that pulling support can be frustrating.
Why This Move Shouldn’t Be a Surprise
If you’ve been following Google's smart home journey, this announcement is part of a bigger trend. Over the past year, Google has:
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Discontinued its Nest Protect smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
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Ended support for its Nest x Yale smart locks.
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Shut down the Nest Secure home security system and Dropcam security cameras in April 2024.
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Stopped selling its Google Home Max smart speaker.
Each of these moves signals a strategic shift for Google: instead of building and branding every smart home device itself, Google is partnering with trusted third-party companies to offer smart devices that integrate well with the Google Home app.
What Is Google's New Strategy for Smart Homes?
Rather than trying to manufacture everything itself, Google is now positioning Google Home as a platform.
At its I/O 2024 conference, Google announced it was opening up its Google Home ecosystem to all developers. This means:
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More smart home companies can build products that work seamlessly with Google Home.
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Google will partner with companies rather than compete directly.
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Users will have more choices when building their smart homes.
One example of this shift is the new partnership with First Alert, a well-known home safety brand. Later this year, the First Alert Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm will launch in the US and Canada — fully controllable via the Google Home app.
It’s a big change from a world where Google wanted to do everything itself.
How Will This Impact Smart Home Users?
The move to end support for older Nest devices and shift toward partnerships has pros and cons for smart home users.
Pros:
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More variety of devices that can work with Google Home.
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Faster innovation by third-party developers.
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Potentially lower prices due to competition.
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Specialized expertise: Partner companies can focus on building best-in-class devices while Google focuses on creating the best platform.
Cons:
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Shorter device lifespans: If devices are discontinued after only a few years, users may feel forced to upgrade often.
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Transition challenges: Migrating to new devices can be inconvenient and costly.
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Trust issues: Users might hesitate to invest in a Google-supported device if they're worried it might lose support in a few years.
Ultimately, this shift puts more power in users' hands — but also asks for more flexibility and awareness.
The Bigger Picture: Tech Companies and Product Lifecycles
Google isn't alone in making these kinds of decisions.
Across the tech industry, companies regularly end support for older products. This is called planned obsolescence, and while it helps companies focus on newer technologies, it can be frustrating for customers.
For example:
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Apple stops providing updates to older iPhones after a certain number of years.
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Microsoft ended support for Windows 7, pushing users to upgrade.
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Amazon discontinues older Echo and Kindle models.
This cycle allows technology to move forward, but it raises important questions:
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How long should a "smart" product be expected to last?
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Should companies offer better trade-in or recycling programs?
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How can users make environmentally responsible choices in a fast-changing tech world?
These are questions we will need to answer as smart devices become even more woven into our daily lives.
Advice for Nest Users Moving Forward
If you own an older Nest Learning Thermostat, here are a few tips:
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Continue using the device manually for now. It will still control your heating and cooling locally.
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Watch for Google's upgrade offers if you want to get a discount on a newer thermostat.
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Explore alternative brands like Tado, Ecobee, or Honeywell if you're considering switching.
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Back up your heating and cooling schedules manually in case remote features are disabled.
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Plan for the future: Expect that even newer smart home devices may have an eventual end date for updates.
Being proactive now will make the transition easier later.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Smart Homes
Google's decision to phase out support for early Nest thermostats and change its smart home strategy marks the end of an era — and the start of a new one.
While it may be sad to say goodbye to devices that many people loved and depended on, it’s also exciting to think about what’s coming next: a smarter, more open, more innovative smart home ecosystem.
Instead of a few companies trying to build everything, we may soon see a world where dozens of specialized, brilliant devices work together seamlessly, making life easier, safer, and more energy-efficient for everyone.
As always with technology, the best approach is to stay informed, stay flexible, and embrace the possibilities — while being smart about protecting your time, money, and data.
In the end, smart homes aren't just about smart devices. They’re about smart choices — and those are always human.
Quick Summary
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Starting October 25, 2025, old Nest thermostats (1st Gen and 2nd Gen) will stop receiving updates.
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Remote features like app control will stop, but manual control on the device will continue.
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Google is stopping sales of Nest thermostats in Europe due to system diversity.
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Discounts will be offered for new thermostats, like the Tado Smart Thermostat X.
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Google is shifting its strategy to partner with other companies instead of building all smart home devices itself.
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Users should stay aware and plan ahead for future smart home upgrades.
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