Google Pixel 9: Analyzing Update Promises And Features

Google stated last year that new Pixel devices would receive up to seven years of upgrades. This includes significant Android releases, security patches, and quarterly feature drops. This commitment surpasses that of any other smartphone manufacturer, making it a challenging promise for Google, known for discontinuing projects. The question arises: will the Pixel 9 series enjoy the same extensive update support, or will it face an early demise? Let’s dive into the details.

New Phone, Same Old Flavor

Typically, Google unveils the latest Android version around September, followed by the new Pixel phone in October. However, this year, Google surprised everyone by launching the Pixel 9 series in August, equipped with a year-old Android 14. This unusual timing led to online discussions about whether these new models will receive an extra year of updates compared to the Pixel 8.

The rationale behind this early release remains uncertain. One theory suggests that Android is no longer the focal point for Google. Instead, the company seems to be shifting its emphasis toward AI features. Observations during the Pixel 9 launch and the Google I/O event in May highlighted the company’s focus on artificial intelligence, rather than exciting new Android functionalities.

Understanding the Update Timeline for Pixel 9 Devices

According to Google’s official support page, all new Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be supported for at least seven years from their launch date. This means users can expect consistent updates until August 2031. Below is a timeline outlining when the Pixel 9 is expected to receive new Android updates.

While the timeline appears promising, the last entry regarding Android 22 is speculative. Google indicates that updates will continue until August 2031, meaning if Android 22 is delayed, the Pixel 9 might miss out on this last major update.

Assessing the Future: Will Pixel 9 Receive Android 22?

From the timeline, it’s evident that the Pixel 9 will receive updates until August 2031, confirming at least the arrival of Android 21. However, anything beyond that remains uncertain. Historically, Google releases Android updates in September, which means if this pattern holds, the Pixel 9 may not receive Android 22.

This unprecedented decision by Google to launch the Pixel 9 with Android 14 and its early release has left the tech community bewildered. As we wait until 2031, the question lingers: will the Pixel 9 fulfill its promise of updates and maintain its relevance? Your thoughts on this topic are welcomed in the comments.