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Google Confirms: Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Reach End-of-Life for Android Updates
Google has officially announced a significant change for some of its popular smartphones: they will no longer receive new Android system updates. This confirmation emerged alongside the release of the Android 17 QPR2 Beta, marking a pivotal moment for users who have grown accustomed to extended support for older devices.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Enter “End-of-Life” Status
The tech giant has confirmed that both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are now transitioning into an “end-of-life” status regarding major Android OS upgrades. These flagship phones initially launched in October 2021. At their release, Google committed to five years of support, a period that concludes in October 2026.
While the news might sound disheartening, the situation for current users of these devices isn’t as grim as it might first appear. The last major update these phones received was Android 17 QPR1, ensuring they run a relatively recent version of the operating system. Furthermore, Google has committed to delivering one final security update in October, providing continued protection against potential vulnerabilities.
The Pixel 6a: An Exception in Support Longevity
Interestingly, the more affordable sibling, the Pixel 6a, offers a different story. Launched slightly later in July 2022, this model benefits from a longer update cycle, with support extending until mid-2027. This disparity has led some users to express concerns, suggesting that the extended support for “a” series devices might make them a more attractive long-term investment compared to the standard flagship models.
For those who wish to continue using their Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro devices beyond their official update cycle, Google services are expected to remain fully functional even past 2030. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with using a smartphone that no longer receives security updates. Given the vast amount of sensitive personal data typically stored on these devices, continuing to use a supported smartphone with regular security patches is always the recommended course of action to safeguard against potential hacking attempts and data breaches.
For more details on upcoming Android features and release dates, you can check out our article on Android 17 features and release dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, “end-of-life” means they will no longer receive new major Android operating system updates (like Android 18 or future versions). They have received their last planned major update (Android 17 QPR1) and will get one final security update in October. While Google services will continue to function, your device will no longer receive critical security patches after that, potentially increasing vulnerability to new threats.
While your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro will continue to function, and Google services will work for years, it’s generally not recommended to use a smartphone without ongoing security updates for sensitive activities. Without regular security patches, your device becomes more susceptible to new vulnerabilities and malware, posing a risk to your personal data and privacy. It’s advisable to consider upgrading to a newer device with active support for optimal security.
The Pixel 6a, despite being part of the same generation, was released several months after the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Google typically bases its support windows from the device’s launch date. Due to its later release (July 2022 compared to October 2021 for the Pixel 6/Pro), its five-year support cycle naturally extends further, into mid-2027, giving it a longer lifespan for updates.
Source: 9to5Google. Opening photo: Google / press materials
About Post Author
Sachin Mahto
Sachin is an editor for Techtiper, focusing on software, apps, and services. He writes on virtual private networks, privacy tools, cybersecurity issues, and ethics in tech. Sachin also covers news about Tech Industry. On a separate note, he plays a ton of online chess and is a fan of overly complicated sci-fi movies.