When it comes to Android, “fragmentation” is the word for many: each OEM has its own Android system update rollout schedule, and adding more features to UI overlays can further complicate the process. Google, however, is the owner of Android and, as such, can dictate how long it intends to support the current Pixel and Pixel XL, two of its first newly-branded devices.
The search engine giant had already told us about its update/support schedule, stating that the first-gen. Pixel and Pixel XL — the Pixel2 and Pixel XL2 (specs leak) are in the works, you know! — will stop receiving Android system updates (such as Android 9.0 P, for example) after October 2018, with critical security patches to continue for another 12 months until October 2019. But now, it’s been revealed that the famous on-device support, a unique to Google pixel sets, would also be discontinued after October 2019, when the security patches OTA would stop rolling out too. If you ask us, that’s completely fine — Google is giving you three years of support (2 years for system updates), which is incredible and not many phones get that.
Some find this to be a problematic schedule, perhaps believing Google should support their devices longer, but companies usually have longer support for products when they are soon to abandon the product line (as Microsoft has promised to support the Microsoft Band 2 because there is no Band 3 in development).
It is great to know that the Pixel and Pixel XL, now nearing a year old, will be the first to get Android O(reo) in August and are still Android 9.0 P-eligible for 2018 and that security patches and customer support will exist for 3 years on these handsets. This update/support list was published some time ago, but has been detailed even further to inform customers, perhaps.
Something else worth keeping in mind too, is that Verizon, the exclusive carrier of the Pixel and Pixel XL, are binding installment buyers to 24 months (2 years) from the moment they purchase the phone, but Google is dating its 2 years from the time it announces and releases the phones for sale.
Most installment buyers will upgrade annually, so two years of system update and three years of security patch/phone/online support are above and beyond generous.
Via: Android Central
