Google normally promises Android device owners OS updates for two years. This means that the handsets are eligible for two major Android platform releases from the day they’re released. However, it seems like the company is relaxing the rules a bit for its new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL flagship smartphones. Google Pixel 2 OS updates will actually be supported for three years.
Other Android devices have only been promised security patches for three years. So they may only get two major Android platform upgrades in the two years after they’re released, but users can rest assured that their devices will receive security patches for at least three years.
Google has updated its support page to confirm that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will receive three years of OS and three years of security updates.
This is a great way for Google to boost the competitiveness of its hardware. Users who want to get the maximum OS support for their handsets will now be enticed to purchase the Pixel 2, given that they will be promised three years of OS support.
Whether or not Google will extend the same courtesy to OEM devices remains to be seen, though I’m sure all Android users would want the same guarantee as well.
Filed in . Read more about Android Updates, Google, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.