Google has announced a major upgrade to its software support policy, extending Android OS updates to five years for older Pixel phones.
This move brings the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold in line with Google’s commitment to longer support for its Tensor-powered phones.
Chris Martin / Foundry
With the recent launch of the Pixel 8 series and the Pixel 9 series, which boast an unprecedented seven years of OS and security updates, speculation grew about whether older Tensor-powered devices might see a similar upgrade.
Previously, the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 series models received three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. Now, they will get five years of both, starting from the date of their original release in the US.
Google confirmed the update in a recent revision to its support page, adding that these devices will also benefit from new features via Pixel Drops.
However, this change doesn’t apply to the Pixel Tablet, which sticks with three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. Given the rumour that Google has cancelled its Pixel Tablet line, this doesn’t come as a big surprise.
Jim Martin / Foundry
In other news, while all Android 15 users will receive a brilliant free upgrade, it’s Pixel users who get the huge Pixel Drop free software upgrade this month.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.