Google is being slightly less explicit with Pixel end-of-life dates

When trying to find out when your Pixel will get updates and support, you might be left frustrated that Google is being less explicit with end-of-life dates for the lineup.

Since the Pixel 8 series, Google has offered one of the most extensive support windows for any Android phone, matched only by Samsung and Apple. That is obviously good for longevity, but it appears that Google quietly removed explicit support window timeframes for Pixel devices back when Pixel 6 and 7 owners had a surprise increase to device updates – which could account for the lack of mention of this in coverage of this change at the time.

When looking into the updates for the brand-new Pixel 9a, it was immediately clear to us that this could cause some unwanted confusion.

Prior to the change late last year, the page clearly outlined the guaranteed update windows for various Pixel generations. For instance, the Pixel 9 series had August 2031 listed as the timeframe for when it could be considered “end of life.”

A visit to the same support page now reveals a different picture. Seven years of updates for the Pixel 8 series and newer do remain prominently displayed — encompassing OS upgrades, security patches, and even potential Pixel Drops — but the specific end dates (in table format) for software support are conspicuously absent. This seven-year commitment is listed as starting “from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.”

Pixel 8 and later phones will get updates for seven years starting from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.

This includes seven years of OS and security updates, and may also include new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops.

Historical data from the Wayback Machine indicates this shift occurred on December 5th, 2024. Examining an archived version of the support page from that date confirms the presence of explicit end dates for older Pixel phones, information that is no longer directly available on the current iteration. It was previously displayed in a table with exact end dates for each model in the lineup and those that are no longer given regular updates.

Interestingly, Google implemented a redirect. Instead of finding end-of-life dates on the main update policy page, 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.

Extended support for newer Pixels is undoubtedly a win, but we have to say that the removal of clear end dates for older and future models from the main support page introduces an unnecessary degree of ambiguity. We’ve built out the table again if you don’t have time to work it out for yourself:

Without this, Pixel owners will now need to be more proactive in referencing the device availability dates to understand their phone’s remaining update lifespan, which just adds to consumer confusion. It could be that this gives Google more room to expand updates like the company did with the Pixel 6 and 7 series. That said, it’s simply not clear why this change was made in the first place.

More on Google Pixel:

• Google layoffs impact hundreds in Pixel, Android division
• Gboard’s Assistant voice typing on Pixel becomes ‘Advanced features’ 
• Pixel 10 Pro XL gets price hike as Google aims for cheaper foldables, claims sketchy rumor

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.