Google has announced a major upgrade to its software support policy, extending Android operating system updates to five years for older Pixel phones.
The 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 supporting its Tensor-powered phones for longer.
Chris Martin / Foundry
With the recent launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which benefit from an unprecedented seven years of OS and security updates, speculation has grown as to whether older Tensor-powered devices could benefit from 'a similar upgrade.
Previously, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series models received three years of operating system updates and five years of security updates. Now, they will benefit from both for five years, from the date of their initial release in the United States.
Google confirmed the update in a recent review of its support page, adding that these devices will also get new features via Pixel Drops.
However, this change does not apply to the Pixel tablet, which gets three years of operating system updates and five years of security updates. Given the rumor that Google has canceled its Pixel Tablet line, this doesn't come as a big surprise.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Besides, while all Android 15 users will get a brilliant free upgrade, it's Pixel users who will benefit from the huge free Pixel Drop software upgrade this month.
