Google quietly changes its OS upgrade policy covering older Pixel phones and makes it so: that the Pixel 7, 6 series, and Pixel Fold get a longer update cycle. This update means they’ll get five years’ worth of system updates from launch, up from the three-year update plan any of these devices launched with originally. This adjustment brings the update cycles for these models in line with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which were the first devices to include seven years of support when they debuted.
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Google Revises Update Policy for Pixel 6, 7 Series & Pixel Fold: Full Details Here
It entails Android OS upgrades, security patches, and Feature Drops being offered for up to seven years for the Pixel 8 series, and five years for the Pixel 7 and 6 series. The updates are available based on the original release date of the device in the Google Store in the US. Here’s a breakdown of the devices eligible for the extended update policy:
- Seven Years of Updates: Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, and Pixel Fold.
- Five Years of Updates: Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6a.
Authentically, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series were slated to get their final OS update in 2024 — Android 14. However, this revised policy indicates that they are still eligible for Android 17 updates, as are the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (which were released in October 2021). In the same vein, Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones released in October 2022 will get Android 18 as well.
The Pixel 6a, announced in July 2022 and in the stores since late July, also is eligible for updates up through Android 18. On the same track, the December 2024 Pixel Drop is also currently live for all Pixel smartphones, with updates rolling out in a staggered manner. Users can also manually check for updates by navigating to Settings -> System -> Software Update.
FAQs
Which Pixel models are now eligible for 5 years of updates?
The Pixel 6, 7 series, and Pixel Fold will now receive 5 years of updates, including security and OS upgrades.
When will the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series receive their last OS update?
The Pixel 6 and 7 series will now get updates up to Android 17 and 18, extending their software support.
