Google Unveils Major Update For Pixel 6, 7, And Fold

Good news for owners of the Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and the original Pixel Fold! Google has announced an extension of update support for these devices by two more years, as stated on their support page.

When the Pixel 6 was introduced, Google revealed plans to prolong its software support for new devices from three years to five. Traditionally, Google provided hardware with three years of security and Android OS updates, but during that announcement, it stated that security updates would be extended to five years while OS upgrades would remain at three years.

However, with the introduction of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, Google has now committed to a seven-year timeline for both security updates and major OS upgrades. This means that those who acquire the latest generation of Pixel devices will enjoy enhanced long-term support following their purchase.

As a result of this update, the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold will benefit from an increase in OS update support from three years to five. This significant adjustment retroactively extends support to older models that were not previously included in the five-year commitment. This development was first highlighted in a subtle revision on the Google Pixel support page, as pointed out by 9to5Google. According to the support page:

“These models, including the Pixel Fold, will receive updates for five years starting from their initial availability on the Google Store in the U.S. This encompasses five years of OS and security updates, and may also introduce new and enhanced features through Pixel Drops.”

Regrettably, this change does not apply to the Pixel Tablet.

This retroactive update coincides with the addition of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to the roster of devices eligible for the Android 16 Developer Preview, and it has now been officially confirmed.

It’s relatively rare for companies to extend software support in this manner, making Google’s decision a surprising and commendable one. If you’re satisfied with your Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or Pixel Fold, this means you can continue to use your device for a longer period than you may have anticipated.