Google has announced a major upgrade to its software support policy, extending Android OS updates for older Pixel phones to five years.
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 promise of extended support for its Tensor phones.
Chris Martin / Foundry
With the recent launch of the Pixel 8 series and Pixel 9 series, which boast an unprecedented seven years of OS and security updates, speculation grew over whether older Tensor-powered devices could receive a similar upgrade.
Previously, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series models received three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. Now they get five years of each from the date of their original US release.
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 does not apply to the Pixel Tablet, which sticks to three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. Considering the rumor that Google has discontinued its Pixel Tablet line, this doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
Jim Martin / Foundry
In other news, while all Android 15 users are getting a brilliant free upgrade, it’s Pixel users who are getting the huge free Pixel Drop software upgrade this month.