How Long will your Pixel Phone Keep Getting Updates?
One of the best things about getting a Pixel smartphone is the promise of long-term software support, which was one of the major highlights Google made during its Pixel 8 launch event. While the Pixel 8 series phones are scheduled to get up to seven years of software updates, it should be said that older Pixel devices unfortunately get less years of support.
With that in mind, you might be curious as to how long your Pixel phone will be supported, at least in terms of platform and security updates – let’s take a look!
READ: Sorry Apple, Google’s got you Beat: Pixel 8 will Get 7 Years of Android Updates
Pixel 9 Series
First up are the Google Pixel 9 devices, which will come with up to seven years of software upgrades and security patches as well. This includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
Pixel 8 Series
Up next are the Google Pixel 8 series, which Google promises will also come with seven years of software upgrades, meaning that you can expect the latest Android version on your Pixel 8 until 2030. The same timeframe also extends to security updates for the device. The Pixel 8a will get upgrades until 2031, due to launching a year later than the 8 and 8 Pro.
Pixel 7 Series
For the Pixel 7 series, Google states that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will get platform upgrades until 2025, with security updates until 2027. Meanwhile, the more affordable Pixel 7a will get major OS upgrades until 2026, and security updates until 2028.
UPDATE: Google has now updated its support page, promising five years of OS upgrades for the Pixel 7 series.
Pixel 6 Series
Meanwhile, Google Pixel 6 owners should begin keeping an eye on their calendars – the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are scheduled to get OS upgrades until 2024, with security updates going until 2026. As for the Pixel 6a, users can expect OS upgrades until 2025, and security patches up until 2027.
UPDATE: Google has now updated its support page, promising five years of OS upgrades for the Pixel 6 series.
Pixel 5 Series and Older
Here’s where things get a little more tight – for one, software and security support for the Pixel 5 ended back in October 2023 (good night, sweet prince), although the Pixel 5a has a bit more time left with software and security updates arriving until August 2024. Meanwhile, the Pixel 4a 5G is the last of the Pixel 4 series devices to receive updates, which ended back in November 2023. Older devices including the Pixel 4a (4G), Pixel 3 and older are no longer receiving updates.
UPDATE: Surprisingly, Google provided an OTA update for the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G back in February 2024, which consists of a small security patch.
Pixel Fold
For the Pixel Fold, Google’s first-ever foldable device comes with major Android platform upgrades until June 2026, and regular security patches up until June 2028.
It should be noted however that Google will change the frequency of its updates. While the company usually released software and security patches during the first week of every month, it recently announced that this will no longer be the case moving forward, and will instead roll out updates during different times in the month.
Source: Google