The Google Pixel 6 tipped to receive four OS upgrades... to Android 16

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Google Pixel 6 Coming Soon Nyc Display Unit Orange Close
Google Pixel 6 Coming Soon Nyc Display Unit Orange Close (Image credit: Michael Fisher / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • The Google Pixel 6 is tipped to receive four OS upgrades.
  • This follows rumors that the device will receive five years of updates, which will likely be security patches.
  • Google will announce full details of its flagships on October 19.

The Google Pixel 6 series is less than a week from launch, and while we seem to know just about everything there is to know about the smartphones, the latest tidbit hints at a pretty impressive update policy.

Previously, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were rumored to receive five years of updates, which were corroborated in recent leaks. However, it was unclear if that meant OS upgrades or security patches. Now we might have a better idea of what that means as per known leaker Snoopy, who says we should expect four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

While getting five years of OS upgrades would be impressive, four years is still nothing to sneeze at, especially for Android. Since the Pixel 6 is expected to run Android 12 at launch, that would mean it would get updated all the way up to Android 16, and who can even imagine what that'll be like?

Even many of the best Android phones from manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi are only promised four years of security updates, with some devices only getting three OS upgrades.

Google's in-house Tensor chip no doubt plays a role in this, making it all the more impressive. And thanks to Google's excellent update cadence for its Pixel phones, we can be sure they'll come quickly and regularly.

If this turns out to be accurate, it could significantly extend the lifespan of the phones, making it well worth it for buyers who would rather not shell out for a new phone every year. Even the Fairphone 4 is only slated to receive Android 15 whenever it's available in the coming years.

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Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
Managing Editor

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.