Here's How Long Your Google Pixel Phone Will Get Software Updates
Google has standardized its software support policy, promising seven years of updates for Pixel 8 and newer models. Older devices have varying support windows, with many earlier models now reaching their end-of-life.
Why it matters
Extended software support increases device longevity, reduces electronic waste, and influences consumer purchasing decisions in the competitive smartphone market.
Google offers great support for Pixels, but not all models enjoy the full timeline.
Gabo_Arts/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover With the release of the Pixel 8 in 2023, Google made a widely celebrated announcement. Going forward, Pixel phones would receive seven years of software updates — not only routine security patches but major OS upgrades, too. It was a more robust promise than even Samsung, the largest vendor of Android devices, had made in 2019 when it pledged three years of major OS updates for lower-end Galaxy devices and seven for select flagships. A quick loss of software support had previously been a major reason why Android phones failed to hold their value for long, so committing to that support was crucial for the future.
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