# All You Need to Know Regarding Software Updates on Your Pixel
Google’s Pixel smartphones are widely recognized for their streamlined software, innovative AI functionalities, and prompt updates. Whether you own the state-of-the-art Pixel 9 Pro or the older Pixel 3a, being aware of your device’s software update schedule is vital for maintaining peak performance and security. Below is an exhaustive guide to software updates throughout the Pixel range, featuring Google’s latest long-term update promise.
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## **The Importance of Software Updates**
Software updates offer more than just new functionalities or a revamped interface. They help keep your device secure, compatible with the latest applications, and devoid of glitches. Google consistently sets the standard in the Android ecosystem by providing timely updates, with Pixel phones typically being the first to receive new Android versions and monthly security updates.
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## **Google’s Update Policy: A Focus on Longevity**
With the introduction of the **Pixel 8 series**, Google made a notable pledge: **seven years of assured Android OS updates and security patches**. This marks a significant enhancement over the previous practice of providing three OS updates and five years of security patches. This new policy guarantees that Pixel devices will stay relevant and secure for almost a decade, establishing a new standard in the smartphone market.
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## **Main Features of Pixel Updates**
1. **Android OS Updates**: These annual updates introduce new features, boost performance, and enhance security.
2. **Monthly Security Patches**: Google issues monthly updates to safeguard your device against vulnerabilities.
3. **Feature Drops**: Unique to Pixel devices, these quarterly updates unveil thrilling new features, such as AI tools, photo improvements, and more.
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## **Pixel Update Schedules by Model**
### **Pixel 9 Series (Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold)**
– **Launch Date**: August 2024
– **Initial OS**: Android 14
– **Update Guarantee**: Seven years (until August 2031)
– **Highlights**: These units will enjoy Android OS updates and security patches until 2031, ensuring lasting usability. However, the Tensor G4 chip may encounter performance issues in later years.
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### **Pixel 8 Series (Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a)**
– **Launch Dates**:
– Pixel 8 & 8 Pro: October 2023
– Pixel 8a: May 2024
– **Initial OS**: Android 14
– **Update Guarantee**: Seven years (until 2030 for Pixel 8/8 Pro, and until 2031 for Pixel 8a)
– **Highlights**: The Pixel 8a provides exceptional value within the mid-range market due to its seven-year update commitment.
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### **Pixel 7 Series (Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a)**
– **Launch Dates**:
– Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: October 2022
– Pixel 7a: May 2023
– **Initial OS**: Android 13
– **Update Guarantee**:
– Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: Android OS updates until October 2025 and security patches until October 2027
– Pixel 7a: Android OS updates until May 2026, security patches until May 2028
– **Highlights**: The Pixel 7 series will receive Android 16 as their final OS update.
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### **Pixel 6 Series (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a)**
– **Launch Dates**:
– Pixel 6 & 6 Pro: October 2021
– Pixel 6a: July 2022
– **Initial OS**: Android 12
– **Update Guarantee**:
– Pixel 6 & 6 Pro: Android OS updates until October 2024, security patches until October 2026
– Pixel 6a: Android OS updates until July 2025, security patches until July 2027
– **Highlights**: The Pixel 6a may receive Android 16 if the update is launched before July 2025.
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### **Previous Pixel Models**
#### **Pixel 5 Series (Pixel 5 and 5a)**
– **Launch Dates**:
– Pixel 5: October 2020
– Pixel 5a: August 2021
– **Update Guarantee**: Android OS updates until Android 14 (2023), no additional security patches.
#### **Pixel 4 Series (Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, and 4a 5G)**
– **Launch Dates**:
– Pixel 4/4 XL: October 2019
– Pixel 4a: August 2020
– Pixel 4a 5G: November 2020
