Sorry Apple, Google’s got you beat! Pixel 8 will get 7 years of Android updates
Software support for smartphones is a big thing. This is because software updates, like OS updates, help to keep a phone feeling fresh and new, even though the hardware might be a few years old.
Back in the day, we’d see maybe 2 years worth of updates in smartphones, but over the years, more manufacturers are starting to offer longer periods of support. But it looks like as far as Android devices are concerned, Google has taken the cake. During its launch event for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, the company has confirmed that the devices will receive seven years of software updates, effectively ending in 2030!
“Today we announced our commitment to providing seven years of software support for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, including Android OS upgrades, security updates and regular Feature Drops.
That means your Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be supported all the way into 2030. No major smartphone brand offers this committed level of support and longevity. This makes these phones a more sustainable smartphone choice, because they’ll be secure and perform well for seven years.”
This is a huge deal not just in the Android world, but the smartphone world. Prior to this announcement, Apple was pretty much the leader when it came to software support, where the Cupertino company would continue to offer major iOS updates to iPhones from 5-6 years ago.
To be fair, Google has the luxury of doing this. Now that the company has introduced its own Tensor chipset, they have a greater degree of control over their devices, whereas other companies have to work with what they’ve been given. So, if software support is a huge priority to you, then maybe the new Pixel 8 smartphones could be worth your consideration.