Google announced longer software updates for the Pixel Fold, Pixel 6 series, and a few additional devices in its lineup. Google has extended software support for them by offering five years of OS and security upgrades. Google may possibly update the Pixel 7 series to Android 18 and use Pixel Drops to provide new features to older smartphones.
According to Google, Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, as well as some other devices, will get five years of OS and security upgrades in addition to the additional capabilities brought about by the Pixel Drops.
The devices listed below will receive extended support:
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6a
According to the support web page, phones will receive upgrades for five years after they are first made available on the US Google Store. Along with maybe new and improved Pixel Drops features, this also offers five years of OS and security updates.
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The Google support page states that the upgrades will roll out gradually and that they depend on the device and carrier. The update might not show up on your device for a few weeks. When the update is prepared for installation, you will receive a message. To manually look for updates on your phone, open the Settings app, tap System, then Software update, and follow the prompts on the screen.
For the newest smartphones, like the Pixel 9 series, which will get seven years of OS software updates, this increase over the previous three-year restriction is especially noteworthy. Also, updates for Pixel 8 and later phones will be provided for seven years after the device’s initial release on the US Google Store. Along with seven years of OS and security upgrades, Pixel Drops may also bring new and improved features.