Key Takeaways
- Google is updating the Android Linux kernel to six.1.99 for all Tensor-powered Pixel gadgets, together with the Pixel 6 collection.
- Linux 6.1 was noticed as a part of the Android 15 QPR 15 Beta 1 launch, and can launch with the steady March Pixel Characteristic Drop.
- Kernel updates are important for gadget safety and compatibility with future Android releases.
Anybody rocking the Pixel 6 or later is in for a deal with when Android 15 QPR2 drops. There is a massive replace to the underlying Linux kernel powering
Android gadgets
, and Google is ensuring its greatest clients get it.
Associated
Google has rolled out a Linux kernel improve for all Tensor-based Pixel gadgets, bringing the Linux 6.1.99 kernel to extra gadgets than simply the Pixel 9 (by way of Android Authority). The replace was quietly pushed out within the newest beta model of Android 15 QPR2. Solely the Pixel 9 collection obtained this replace at first, however Google has now expanded that to cowl each Pixel because the Pixel 6.
Linux 6.1 brings stability and longevity
All of the Tensor-powered Pixel gadgets had been operating totally different variations of the Linux kernel. For instance, the Pixel 6 collection was caught with Linux 5.10, and the Pixel 8 collection was on Linux 5.15. This replace unifies each one in all them to Linux 6.1 and makes it a heck of lots simpler for Google to streamline gadget upkeep.
This kernel replace is a part of a beta launch and isn’t really useful for informal customers till the steady launch.
Listed here are the gadgets getting the kernel replace:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Professional
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Professional
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel pill
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Professional
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel Fold
The Pixel 9 collection and the newest Pixel Fold have already got the Linux 6.1 kernel, so they will not want updating.
For this reason kernel updates matter
Kernel updates are key in sustaining gadget safety, however in addition they serve to make sure producers can meet their replace guarantees. Android producers have a troublesome time assembly the certification necessities for brand new Android releases. Google’s Longevity GRF program helps guarantee gadgets can maintain getting updates for years, and the Linux kernel is an important step in fulfilling this. This newest Linux kernel ensures Google’s Pixel gadgets can be appropriate with future Android releases.
The kernel replace will roll out with the March 2025 Pixel Characteristic Drop. It’s presently in beta, so it may expertise stability and battery points, but it surely’s an excellent testing instrument for builders. Pixel customers can stay up for a steady launch within the spring.
