Google Pixel 8 to Receive Android Updates for Seven Years
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro to Receive Seven Years of Software Support
Google Pixel 8 to Receive Android Updates – The recently announced Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will come with a remarkable seven years of guaranteed software updates, including operating system (OS), security, and Feature Drop updates. This means that users can expect their devices to remain up-to-date until 2030, without the software becoming outdated. In an official blog post, Google stated, “You’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for 7 years, and new, helpful features with Feature Drops every few months.”
This extended support period represents a significant improvement compared to Google’s previous offerings. Previously, Google provided only five years of security updates and a mere three years of Android OS upgrades. In contrast, the Pixel 8 series surpasses the support length provided by most mainstream Android competitors. Leading manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi promise four generations of Android version updates and five years of security updates for their latest flagship devices.
Freedom to Extend Support
Google’s ability to offer this extended support can be attributed to the company’s use of its own Tensor processor in the Pixel 8 series. This gives Google greater control over the hardware, unlike most of its Android competitors. Fairphone, another Android manufacturer that prioritizes long-term support, has previously highlighted the challenges of supporting a phone after the chipset manufacturer ends support for the processor. With its Tensor processor, Google has the power to continue offering updates.
Apple, a manufacturer that also produces its own processors, is known for providing lengthy support periods. Although Apple does not explicitly state the number of years it supports its devices, it released five major iOS version updates for the 2017 iPhone X before ending support with iOS 17. Moreover, Apple occasionally releases security patches for older devices.
Looking Ahead
According to Google’s commitment, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro should receive updates until at least Android 20 in 2029, and potentially even Android 21 in 2030. However, this assumes that Google will maintain the same annual release cadence for Android in the coming years. Additionally, given Google’s history of discontinuing services and initiatives, the future of ongoing support remains somewhat uncertain.
While Google’s seven years of security support sets it apart from its mainstream competitors, it is technically outdone by Fairphone. Fairphone recently announced the Fairphone 5, which comes with a promised eight years of security updates, with the possibility of extending support to 10 years. However, the Fairphone 5 will not be available in the US, and Fairphone commits to releasing only five major Android OS updates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Software Support
1. What is the software support period for Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will be supported with seven years of “OS, security, and Feature Drop updates.” This means that buyers can use these phones until 2030 before their software starts to become outdated. Google’s blog post announcing the phones states, “You’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for 7 years, and new, helpful features with Feature Drops every few months.”
2. How does the software support for Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro compare to previous Google devices?
This seven-year software support for the Pixel 8 series is a significant improvement compared to what Google has offered previously. Earlier devices received only five years of security updates and three years of Android OS upgrades. Therefore, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro offer a longer support period than most of Google’s mainstream Android competitors.
3. What are other Android manufacturers offering in terms of software support?
Other Android manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are currently promising four generations of Android version updates and five years of security updates for their latest flagship devices. Therefore, Google’s seven-year software support for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro surpasses the industry standard.
4. Why can Google provide a longer software support period for Pixel 8 and 8 Pro?
Google can offer this extended support period thanks to its use of the Tensor processor in the Pixel 8 series. By having more control over the hardware, Google is not dependent on chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm for ongoing support. This allows Google to provide a longer software support period for its devices.
5. How does Apple compare in terms of software support for its devices?
Apple, another manufacturer that produces its own processors for its phones, also offers lengthy software support. Although Apple doesn’t make explicit promises about the number of years it supports its devices, it released five major iOS version updates for the 2017 iPhone X before ending support with iOS 17 this year. Additionally, Apple occasionally releases security patches for older devices.
6. Can we expect future Android updates beyond 2029 for Pixel 8 and 8 Pro?
In theory, Google’s pledge should mean that the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will receive updates at least until 2029’s Android 20 and possibly even 2030’s Android 21, depending on release timings. However, it’s worth noting that this assumes Google will maintain the same annual release cadence for Android in the coming years.
7. How does Google’s software support compare to Fairphone?
Although Google’s seven years of security support puts it ahead of its mainstream competitors, Fairphone recently announced the Fairphone 5 with a promised eight years of security updates (with 10 years as a stretch goal). However, Fairphone has no plans to sell its fifth-generation device in the US and is committed to releasing only five major Android OS updates.