Google has updated its policy around Android OS updates on its first two generations of Tensor-powered Pixel devices, bringing two more years of updates to Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold.
When Google switched to its Tensor processor in the Pixel 6 series, the company also took the opportunity to extend its software support timeline from three years to five years. Where prior Pixels would get both security updates and Android OS updates for just three years after their release, newer models would get an additional two years of security updates.
With the newer Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 generations moving to a 7-year update commitment, though, many have been wondering if the schedule for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 generations would change.
And now it has.
In a silent update to its support page detailing Pixel updates, Google has confirmed that Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 generations will get a total of five years of Android OS updates.
Google says:
These phones, including Pixel Fold, will get updates for 5 years starting from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. This includes 5 years of OS and security updates, and may also include new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops.
The same change is not being provided to Pixel Tablet.
So, now, Google’s update policy looks like this:
- 7 years of Android OS & security updates: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- 5 years of Android OS & security updates: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold
- 3 years of Android OS & 5 years of security updates: Pixel Tablet
The writing was on the wall for this change when the first Android 16 Developer Preview included support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but now it’s officially in writing from Google.
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