Durability is now an important subject when acquiring a new smartphone, even more so when it comes to a high-end device. In this area, Google is exemplary in the Android phone market with its Pixels. For those who already have one of the Mountain View firm’s models or those who wish to acquire one, here is how long Android and security updates will be available.
How long will my Pixel smartphone benefit from updates?
First of all, it is important to point out that software monitoring for Android smartphones is divided into two parts: major Android updates and security updates. Over the years, Google has increased the length of support for its devices, thus providing divergence between generations.
Therefore, here is how long Pixel phones will benefit from the most recent versions:
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro: up to Android 15 and October 2026 security patch
- Pixel 6: up to Android 15 and July 2027 security patch
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro: up to Android 16 and October 2027 security patch
- Pixel 7a: up to Android 16 and May 2028 security patch
- Pixel Fold: up to Android 16 (potentially Android 17 depending on release date) and June 2028 security patch
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: up to Android 21 and October 2030 security patch
- Pixel 8a: up to Android 21 and May 2031 security patch
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold: up to Android 22 and August 2031 security patch
How to update your Pixel?
To update your Pixel smartphone, you must open the Settings application and follow the following instructions:
- Tap on the named section System
- Select option Software updates
- Touch the button System update
- Click on Download and install
Obviously, the last step will only be displayed if the latest update has not been installed on your Pixel. Otherwise, the Google smartphone will display a message emphasizing that the phone is up to date with the latest version available.
Google phones that are no longer updated
Please note, several smartphones in the Pixel range no longer receive updates, whether new versions of Android or security updates. Here is the list of models where Google software tracking has ended:
- Pixel et Pixel XL
- Pixel 2/2 XL
- Pixel 3/3 XL
- Pixel 3a/3a XL
- Pixel 4/4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a
For security reasons, it is recommended to change Pixel if its model is present in this list, in particular to stay with a device not subject to new vulnerabilities. Indeed, once the software monitoring is completed, all new flaws found by malicious people can be exploited, and therefore endanger your personal data.
