Key Takeaways
- Manufacturers like Google are extending software program replace assist for Android units, with some telephones now receiving as much as 7 years of updates.
- The Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Fold are amongst units now promised 5 years of updates as a substitute of the earlier 3 years, prolonging their lifespan.
- The Android 16 launch schedule is anticipated to shift to a brand new timeline ext 12 months, doubtlessly dropping by Q2 2025.
The software program scenario with Android units was fairly unhealthy at one level, being one of many extra crippling components when it got here to an growing old machine. Fortunately, that has improved over the previous few years, with some manufacturers now promising a number of years of updates. Regardless of manufacturers like Google and Samsung taking level right here, that does not imply that each one of their units are below the identical phrases.
Associated
Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 collection customers had been good to go along with seven years of updates, however older Pixel telephones not a lot, caught with simply three years of OS updates and two years of safety patches. Nevertheless it appears to be like like Google is now making some developments right here, giving previous units new life, with as much as 5 years of updates going ahead.
Extra updates for longer
We first noticed hints of this turning into a chance final month, however now Google has up to date its software program web page to incorporate OS assist for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Fold for 5 years. That is up from the beforehand talked about three years, which was nonetheless the legitimate time period when it got here to the assist web page as early as final week. The excellent news is that this may permit these units to chug alongside just a bit whereas longer.
The Pixel 6 goes to be the oldest out of the bunch, launched in 2021, and customers can now anticipate assist till 2026. Each the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a had been launched in 2023, which suggests each telephones will see OS updates till 2028. Whereas it could appear small, this new extension could be a lifesaver for some that need to maintain their machine round for longer.
Subsequent 12 months can be fairly an attention-grabbing 12 months for Android, with the beginning of a brand new launch schedule. Whereas typical Android releases come on the finish of the 12 months, the following launch will see it arrive in direction of the start. Whereas it is unclear precisely when Android 16 will arrive, many hints level to it coming earlier than the top of Q2 in 2025. The Developer Preview of the OS is already out, so that you can provide it a strive if you would like.
Thanks: Eduardo