You’re not just buying a piece of hardware with the Pixel range, it’s as much about the software journey. Google now has some of the longest Android support windows, though what you get depends on which Pixel phone you own. But here’s a plain-and-simple, device-by-device breakdown of the update situation as it stands now with Pixel phones and foldables and the tablet and watches — along with what “support” actually means in real-world terms.
Seven-year guarantee: Pixel 8 range and Pixel 9 lineup
On the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a, as well as the entire Pixel 9 family (this year Google will release a series of Pro models in addition to a foldable), you'll get seven years of Android OS upgrades and monthly security patches and Feature Drops for Pixels. Put another way, these devices receive day‑one Android releases well into the future, regular bug patches and security bulletins, and occasional new features by way of Feature Drops.
- Seven-year guarantee: Pixel 8 range and Pixel 9 lineup
- Five years of security, three OS upgrades: Pixel 6/7 era
- Legacy Pixels with end-of-support timelines
- Pixel Watch timelines and the three-year software policy
- What support means on Pixel: updates, security, and cadence
- How Pixel stacks up against the competition and rivals
This commitment applies to all software in the Android stack, including both Google and non-Google apps, but excludes those that consumers choose to download on their own after purchasing a device. It almost makes these Pixels “set-and-forget” devices for the type of owners who do keep a phone for many years, and it increases resale value. The schedule and extent of these updates are also corroborated by Google’s own support pages and Android Security Bulletins.
Practical note: longevity is only cool if hardware keeps up. Google and iFixit’s parts program, as well as their new repair paths help here; with them keeping batteries and screens replaceable during that seven‑year window.
Five years of security, three OS upgrades: Pixel 6/7 era
Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, first‑gen Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet: Three major OS upgrades and five years of security updates from when the device first became available on the Google Store.
In version numbers, the Pixel 6 family is scheduled to stop at Android 15. Pixel 7 series, 7a, first Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are rumored to get Android 16. These devices receive monthly or quarterly security updates and will continue to do so for at least 3 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store. That includes patches for vulnerabilities that appeared in the Android Security Bulletins even after major OS features ceased being delivered.
If you’re deciding between a discounted Pixel 7‑series phone and a newer model, that split matters. (You’ll continue to receive a stable, secure experience through the life of your device with the old policy but won’t benefit from the extended runway of that seven‑year commitment or as many Feature Drops later on.)
Legacy Pixels with end-of-support timelines
Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a and the Pixel 4/4 XL as well as the entire Pixel 3/3a range are all out of support completely. These systems also stopped getting OS upgrades or security updates. If you’re still using one, think about moving potentially sensitive tasks like mobile banking to a supported phone, or upgrade to a current Pixel and get yourself back under an active security umbrella. Google’s published lifecycles provide end-of-support timing by model.
Pixel Watch timelines and the three-year software policy
The Pixel Watch in all three generations also has a three‑year software service commitment. And that includes both the Wear OS platform updates and other security-related patches. It’s shorter than Google’s phone policy, and lags what many wearables users would like given the health implications of this technology, but it indicates what you’re going to get out of smartwatch chipsets and battery capacities. Those of you that own for long-term support will want to consider this in your upgrade cycles.
What support means on Pixel: updates, security, and cadence
More than version bumps, support for Pixel is about cadence and consistency. New Android releases hit Pixels on day one — no skinning waiting game. Monthly security updates are based on the Android Security Bulletin. Pixel Feature Drops appear on a quarterly basis and include camera enhancements, AI functions, and quality‑of‑life tweaks; meanwhile, QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) updates bring in bug fixes and added polish.
Power users may alternatively enroll in Google’s Android Beta Program and be among the first to test unreleased QPRs or major versions, but general-adoption owners are best served by the stable channel that follows the timings posted in the company’s published support windows.
How Pixel stacks up against the competition and rivals
Now, at the top of the high‑end Android heap, there’s Google, with seven-year promises, next to Samsung. OnePlus has committed to four OS upgrades and six years of patches for its most recent flagship. Motorola has started providing extended timelines for some models, but a number of devices from the likes of ASUS and HMD/Nokia receive only two updates. On the other side of the aisle, Apple actually promises five years of updates to iOS, with many iPhones in practice getting more. These longer lifecycles have earned praise from analyst firms and consumer groups for reducing e‑waste and enhancing device TCO.
The bottom line: if you want the most longevity possible, invest in the Pixel 8 or Pixel 9 families — or even the “8a,” where it’s also promised to get seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drops. For the previous generations of Tensor‑powered phones and that first Pixel Fold and Tablet, you’ve still got a long, secure runway; just not the kind of record stretch Google’s now offered at the top end.
