Google has officially announced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The duo comes with compelling features, but the seven years of Android OS updates might be the game changer.
With the launch of Pixel 6, Google started pushing three Android OS updates, followed by two years of security patches. That changes with Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as the duo will receive updates till 2030.
Google switching to Tensor chip seems to be the game changer. The giant tech company can now roll out as many Android upgrades obtainable since it’s an exclusive chip, more like Apple with the Bionic processor. Hence, the promise of seven years of Android updates starting with the Pixel 8 series.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive updates till 2030. It means the duo will get Android 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 since it launched with Android 14. Interestingly, these phones will receive monthly security patches and Quarterly Feature Drops during the seven years.
With the new development, Google overtook Samsung‘s four years of Android OS upgrades while leapfrogging Apple in terms of support. It’s likely these companies adjust their update policies to match Google, but would anyone want to use a phone for seven years?
Aside from yearly Android OS that brings UI and UX changes, Google also introduces new features with its Quarterly update releases. Also, Feature Drops brings noticeable changes, as well as, updates to the Google Play System. However, these are software changes, and might even have hardware limitations. Nevertheless, you won’t have to upgrade to a new phone because of a lack of security updates.
Of course, the development is a step in the right direction. It will probably see an increase in Pixel resale value, thanks to the Tensor G3. Hopefully, other OEMs will increase the number of Android OS updates they offer to their phones.
