Two Google Pixel 6 Pro Phones Side by Side
With its latest lineup, Google now promises an industry-leading seven years of software and security updates, extending the life of Pixel devices far beyond what most users would normally keep them. This commitment ensures that phones stay fresh through regular Pixel Drops, bringing new features and improvements, while security updates keep user data protected.
However, this extended support window only began with the Pixel 8 series, launched in 2023. Owners of older Pixel models are now nearing the end of their software and security support period.
In particular, the Google Pixel 6 is guaranteed updates only until October 2026, leaving less than a year of support remaining. The Pixel 7 series, on the other hand, is covered until October 2027. While the Pixel 6 still receives occasional updates, these are becoming inconsistent and lighter on new features, as Google prioritizes its newer devices. So, although support hasn’t fully ended, users shouldn’t expect every new feature or major UI change to make its way to the Pixel 6.
The Slowdown Has Begun
Since launch, Google has released several Pixel Drops for the Pixel 6, including many throughout this year. Some of these updates added new AI features like Nano Banana, but not all reached the Pixel 6. The device hasn’t received an update in several months, while even the Pixel 7 missed the new November 2025 release.
Traditionally, Google provides monthly updates for its hardware, yet while the Pixel 6 will continue to receive security patches until October 2026, those updates might not necessarily arrive every month. Google only guarantees *how long* updates will be provided, not *how often* they’ll come or what features they’ll include. Even Google’s own documentation clarifies that OS and security updates “may” include new or upgraded features—meaning not all Pixel Drops will bring something new.
What Updates Can You Expect?
So far, the Pixel 6 received the June 2025 update, which introduced Android 16, but missed the July and August 2025 updates. It did get the September patch, but nothing since then. This pattern suggests the phone could see quarterly updates until October 2026, focusing mainly on essential fixes rather than major upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 7—supported through October 2027—has received most of this year’s updates except for the latest November one, as of this writing.
The key takeaway is that your Pixel 6 will still receive vital security updates, ensuring it remains safe to use. However, the device experience is no longer evolving as quickly as it once did. As your phone nears the end of its support cycle, it’s worth asking whether the extended seven-year update commitment on newer models truly holds its value in the later years. By year six, many users may find it worthwhile to consider upgrading to a newer Pixel model.
