The Pixel 6 was a pivotal phone for Google, debuting the company’s Tensor chipsets and an all-new hardware design language that is still used in the latest Pixel devices. But the 6 and 6 Pro missed the mark due to Google’s continued commitment to longer software support: starting with last year’s Pixel 8 series, Google now guarantees seven years of updates. Android version update for its phones. The Pixel 6, meanwhile, only promised three, which were sold out with last month’s update. Android 15.

However, the Pixel 6 isn’t suddenly obsolete. Many new features will still be available on Pixel 6 phones through app updates, and critical security patches will still be delivered for a few years. If you’re still using a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, here’s what you need to know about your upcoming updates.

The Pixel 6 probably won’t see Android 16

According to Google official support documentationThe Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were guaranteed Android version updates “at least” until October 2024. In what will almost certainly be the last major OS update for the Pixel 6 series, Android 15 landed on phones last month, delivering on all three of Google’s promises. Android update schedule of the year.

We expect Android 16 to be released sooner than other versions. Google has confirmed a “major SDK release” which would be Android 16 for the second quarter of next yearbreaking from the established pattern of releasing new versions of Android in the fall. Still, given that the release will come months after the Pixel 6’s Android update window closes, it’s unlikely the next version will land on Google’s 2021 phones.

Although the Pixel 6a is also guaranteed three years of Android version updates, it went on sale months after the standard Pixel 6, in July 2022. That means the Pixel 6a window lasts until July 2025. If Android 16 comes out in the second quarter, the Pixel 6a should have it.

The Pixel 6 series hasn’t been discontinued, however. The 6 and 6 Pro received the first patch of Android 15 in the November updateand they should continue to receive security updates for at least a few more years.

What to expect from the Pixel 6 in the future

The Pixel 6 was only guaranteed Android version updates until last month, but Google has promised security updates for at least five years from the date the phone goes on sale, until October 2026 at the earliest. So if you’re using a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, you can rest assured that you’ll be as safe from major security breaches as any other Pixel owner until now.

Google’s Pixel 6 Android version update guarantee ending this year doesn’t necessarily disqualify the phone from future feature updates. Google’s support documents specify that the Pixel 6’s full five-year update lifespan “may also include pixel removals” that could add new features.

New features often come outside of Android version updates, as well as anti-theft measures Google announced alongside Android 15 are “available for most Android 10+ devices”, whether they are still eligible for OS updates or not. And the lion’s share of Google’s recently implemented flashy AI features depend on individual apps, not system updates. Gemini will continue to work and get new features on the Pixel 6 for years to come. AI features in other apps like Google Photos’ Ask Photos and Google Lens’ new multimodal input also don’t require the latest version of Android.

It might be time to buy a new phone, but not for updates

The Pixel 6 running out of Android version updates won’t have much impact on average users. If you’re still using a Pixel 6 and otherwise happy with it, you shouldn’t feel like you have to run out and upgrade just because your phone probably won’t see Android 16. I wouldn’t recommend continuing to use a Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 will no longer receive security patches after it stops receiving security patches, but that will still be a few years away.

All this being said, the best android phones on the market today are really good. Coming from a Pixel 6, something like the Pixel 9 or Galaxy S24 will feel like a significant upgrade, especially in terms of build quality and battery life. It’s a good time for Pixel 6 owners to upgrade, but not necessarily because of Android updates.