Google: This is how long Pixel phones receive updates

Google’s update policy at a glance

October 28, 2024 at 3:02 p.m

How long does Google distribute Android updates for its Pixel smartphones? And what about security patches? Our Android update roadmap explains Google’s update policy.

1. Quarterly “Feature Drop”

2. That’s how long you have to wait for Android updates from Google

3. An Android update is planned or available for these models

Google provided the now discontinued Nexus smartphones and Nexus tablets with updates for a period of 24 months after publication. With Pixel smartphones, you were previously guaranteed three years of Android updates.

The manufacturer now provides operating system and security updates for its current generation, the Pixel 9 series, for seven years. In addition, new and updated functions may be added through feature drops. The same applies to Pixel 8 smartphones.

Google has also extended the period for older models again. Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel Fold, will receive at least five years of security and software updates from the time of initial release. For the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 series it is at least three years.

The table provides an overview of the support duration of Pixel devices. We are constantly expanding this as new devices are released.

Google distributes two types of updates: version and security updates. The latter usually do not contain any new functions, but rather close security gaps that the manufacturer has found in the operating system.

Quarterly “Feature Drop”

In order to give you another selling point, Google distributes new features to the Pixel smartphones every quarter, which usually receive the new functions exclusively. Other devices sometimes have to wait for new Android versions to receive these functions.

That’s how long you have to wait for Android updates from Google

Since users with a Google smartphone are practically at the source of Android, Google smartphones are the first to receive the latest Android software. If you purchased your device via the Google Store, you will receive the firmware on your smartphone in the first two weeks after release. If you bought the cell phone from another provider, it may take a little longer until the update is available.

If that’s not enough for you, you can even try out test versions of Google’s OS before the official release. You can find out how to participate in public Android betas in the linked instructions.

An Android update is planned or available for these models

This list includes all Android-based smartphones and tablet PCs from Google that have been released in Germany since 2010. The Motorola models, which belonged to Google until 2014, can now be found in the Lenovo and Motorola list. Despite extensive research, the editorial team may have missed an update, an error has crept in or a device has simply been forgotten in the list. In this case, igamesnews would be grateful for any information in the comments.

Google Smartphones

Google Tablets

To install an Android update on a Google device, follow the instructions in the linked tutorial. Is your smartphone or tablet no longer receiving updates? Don’t despair. You can still root your device and install an alternative firmware based on a newer Android version. You can find out how to do this in our tutorial “How do I root my smartphone?”.

If you are still undecided or need a new smartphone, you will find suitable smartphones for you in our guide “The best smartphones”.