Android 5.0.1 comes to Google’s latest Nexus handsets. Photo: Google

Google’s latest Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is now available for both the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 6. You can download it now either as a factory image or as an update package for manual flashing — or you can wait for Google to roll it out over-the-air to your device.

Android 5.0.1 is on its way. Image: Google

Android 5.0.1 has been available for over a week for a number Nexus devices — but only if you were willing to download the factory images and flash them manually. Now Google’s rolling out its latest Lollipop update — which brings improved stability and performance — over the air.

Android 5.0 is already old news. Image: Google

Google has rolled out its latest Android 5.0.1 factory images for the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 6, just a week after they first became available for select Nexus tablets. Those who don’t want to wait for the software to arrive over-the-air can download it now for manual flashing.

A new Lollipop release is already available. Image: Cult of Android

Many of Google’s Nexus devices have only just gotten their Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrades, and already the search giant is making Android 5.0.1 factory images available to download. The updates should soon be rolled out over-the-air to more recent Nexus devices, but those who know how to can flash them manually right away.

You can upgrade your Nexus 4 to Lollipop manually. Image: Cult of Android

If you don’t want to wait another day for Google to roll out the Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade for your Nexus 4, why not grab the firmware package yourself and flash it manually? The process is actually much simpler than it sounds; you don’t need to root your handset or unlock its bootloader, and all of your data will remain intact.

If you fancy giving it a go, check out the step-by-step guide below.