Google has made significant changes to the support windows for its Pixel devices, leaving some users confused about when their phones will receive updates and security patches. Prior to the change, the support page clearly outlined guaranteed update windows for various Pixel generations.
However, as of December 5th, 2024, the new support policy states that older Pixel models will continue to receive updates for seven years starting from when they were first made available on the Google Store in the US. This includes OS upgrades, security patches, and potential Pixel Drops.
But what’s changed is the lack of explicit end dates for software support. Previously, a table displayed exact end dates for each model, but this information is no longer directly available on the main update policy page.
Instead, users are directed to a separate page that confirms the initial availability date for specific Pixel devices. This new page provides the starting point for calculating the update window or timeframe.
While extended support for newer Pixels is undoubtedly a win, the removal of clear end dates for older and future models introduces ambiguity. Without this information, Pixel owners will need to be more proactive in referencing device availability dates to understand their phone’s remaining update lifespan.
Google’s reasons for making this change are unclear, but it may give the company more room to expand updates like it did with the Pixel 6 and 7 series.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2025/04/16/google-slightly-less-explicit-with-pixel-end-of-life-dates