Google has given out a surprise holiday gift to anyone who owns a Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or Pixel Fold. The company says it will provide two more years of OS upgrades on these devices. Initially, these devices were scheduled to receive three years of OS updates and five years of security patches, but now that they are first listed on the Google Store in the US, these have been extended to five years each.
Since the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro debuted in October 2021, Android 15 was scheduled to be the last major OS update for these smartphones. However, it adds two more years of new features to extend its lifespan. This move could go against Google’s business interests to some extent, as it could discourage users clinging to a Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, or Fold from upgrading right away. There is.
And Mr. ICYMI, #pixelfold with #pixel6 and #pixel7 generation users will receive an additional two years of OS updates. This extended support is for a total of 5 years from when the device is first available in the US Google Store: https://t.co/Y50A92TiqC
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) December 5, 2024
Google is moving away from one big feature dump every year and releasing a major new version of Android every fall. Instead, the company is now sprinkling new features throughout the year with Pixel drops. To that end, Google hinted on its support page that additional OS updates for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold “may also include new or upgraded features from Pixel Drops.”
Starting with last year’s Pixel 8 lineup, Google has promised seven years of OS and security updates for its devices. This is primarily to comply with the software requirements of California’s Right to Repair Act, which went into effect this year. Pixel 6, 7, and Fold users won’t receive as much long-term support, but it’s still a positive step for sustainability.
