Older Pixel phones are getting a surprising new upgrade

Google has extended software update support for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold by an additional two years, allowing for five years of Android OS and security updates.

According to a silent update on its support page, devices including the Pixel Fold will receive updates for five years, starting from when they became available on the Google Store in the U.S. This change retroactively extends support for older models that were previously limited to three years of OS updates. Google first announced longer support for its newer Pixel models with the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, which already have a seven-year commitment covering security and major OS upgrades.

The Pixel 6, released in 2021, will now receive updates until 2026, while the Pixel 7 and Pixel Fold, both launched in 2023, are set to receive updates through 2028. Previously, older Pixel devices were at a disadvantage, receiving only a few years of updates compared to newer releases.

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Google’s upgrade commitment also ties into the upcoming Android 16 Developer Preview. Traditionally, Google has rolled out the first developer beta around February, but for Android 16, it has advanced this schedule, with the first beta released in mid-November. Although specifics on the final rollout remain unclear, the new timeline indicates a possibility of an earlier release, potentially arriving before the end of Q2 in 2025.

The decision to extend support is likely to be well received by users of the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold, as it allows them to hold onto their devices longer without the need for replacements. In the past, many Android users faced challenges with devices that became outdated quickly due to limited software updates. However, with this latest announcement, Google is actively changing that narrative.

In a broader context, the Android ecosystem has seen brands like Google and Samsung committing to extended update policies. While Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 models benefited from seven years of updates, older models now enjoy the enhanced five-year support as well.

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The Pixel Tablet will not receive similar updates; the extension applies exclusively to the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold. As Google raises the bar for device support, it signals a shift in expectations within the mobile technology landscape. Consumers now have an increased incentive to invest in Pixel devices, knowing they will be supported longer than before.

As the Android 16 Developer Preview continues to evolve, many users are eager to see how the new features and improvements will integrate into their existing devices. Engaging with the beta version allows enthusiasts to experience upcoming changes early, though the full ramifications of these updates will only become clear once the final version rolls out.

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