The Pixel 8 series launches with Android 14 and will get 7 years of software support, including annual OS updates, monthly security updates, and quarterly Pixel Feature Drops. This means they'll be supported till 2030.
I can't emphasize enough how big of a deal this is.
Google didn't offer much detail on how they were able to expand software support so significantly (up from 3 years OS + 5 years security on previous Pixels). They only said this: "to make this possible, we’ve been working to secure long-term commitments from partner teams, and put the necessary testing infrastructure in place."
Also, Google basically confirmed that you shouldn't expect updates to roll out on the same day as the Android Security Bulletin (they've missed that target for a while now anyway).
"We also dug into how we can deliver the highest quality, best tested updates to Pixel users on a consistent basis. As part of this effort, our security updates, bug fixes and feature updates won’t roll out on a specific day each month. Instead, we’ll deploy updates as soon as they’ve completed the necessary tests to ensure they improve the experience for all Pixel customers."
@MishaalRahman I'm legitimately surprised that the rumor was true. I feel this is one of the biggest announcements Google could have possibly made.
Signed, a saddened Pixel 4 XL user who could have still been getting official updates (if Qualcomm offered long-term support for this chipset). Long live LineageOS.
(Now my main concern with recommendation is how the Pixel 8 series' modems will hold up…)
@MishaalRahman just need a battery that anyone can change... Or the vast majority will ditch the phone after 2 years. If google really wanted durability, Fairphone, would not even exist.
@MishaalRahman 7 years is a huge improvement in support length, but Fairphone is offering 10 years, so still a long way off the market leader in long term support.
@MishaalRahman
I'm gonna believe that when I see it.
I just installed #LineageOS 20 on a Pixel 5 because seems like a device from 3 years ago has reached EOL by Google standards.
Just happy with my #fairphone5 with updates guaranteed until 2031 and, due to modularity, exceptionally good repairability.
@Michael1 define "just" ;) .. afaik the mainstream pretty much only had iphones with long software support so far and more technical people get 3rdparty roms unless the vendor is blocking and others get fair- and maybe shiftphones @MishaalRahman
@Michael1
True to a certain degree. But here you will certainly not only get OS updates, but also firmware. This isn't the case with old Custom ROM phones. I.e., you might get the newest features and maybe some security fixes on the OS side. But Bluetooth security issues or other hardware related flaws? Won't get fixed.
Still, good to keep old hardware going when possible! @MishaalRahman@milan
@MishaalRahman@datajake1999 They have made similar promises before. The culture there is to throw away projects on a whim. Maybe they can change, but I think it will take some time before many people believe them.
@MishaalRahman That's nice! I hope it will challenge Samsung to expand their 5 year-support commitment by several years, too, and 5+ years become a standard in the Android world.
@MishaalRahman Do you know how long it usually takes for the Android 14 update to show on previous Google devices? I've got a 7 Pro and no nothing yet.
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