Samsung has set thestandard for software updates in the Android ecosystemby promising four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for itsbest Galaxy phones. And while Google’s Pixel phones are the first in line to get the latest Android updates, they are only eligible for three OS updates. The situation will reportedly change with the upcomingPixel 8 series, which could even surpass Samsung devices and get iPhone-like software support.
Apple typically provides iOS updates for iPhones for at least 5 years after release. And while the 2018 iPhone X will not receive the upcoming iOS 17 update, it still gets important security patches.9to5Googlesources claim Pixel 8’s software update policy could match the iPhone’s. There are no other details, but it would be a big deal if Google could come anywhere close.
The more modern ARM v9 cores on the upcomingTensor G3could have played a key role in Google’s decision to provide OS updates to the Pixel 8 for a longer timeframe. Rumors indicate this year’sTensor G3 will pack significant performanceand efficiency improvements compared to the last two Tensor iterations.
Google last updated the Pixel lineup’s software update policy with the launch of thePixel 6in 2021. All devices launched since then are eligible for three OS updates and five years of security patches, including thePixel Fold.
The company’s transition to its in-house Tensor SoC likely allowed for extended software support. This is because Google has full control over the entire software and hardware stack, allowing it to determine how long its phones and tablets will get OS updates and security patches. Current-gen Tensors are heavily customized variants of Samsung’s Exynos SoCs. Things could improve even further onceGoogle goes full-custom with Tensor chips, though that will reportedly not happen until 2025.
As for the older Snapdragon-poweredPixel 4andPixel 5series, they received OS and security updates for three years after their launch. This year, it appears Google is ready to take the baton from Samsung and raise the standard of software support in the Android ecosystem.
