Inside Google’s Seven-Year Support Strategy for Pixel 8 Series
In an industry where longevity is often sacrificed for the next big release, Google’s commitment to a seven-year support window for its Pixel 8 series stands out. This bold promise of full OS upgrades has been met with both applause and scrutiny, as consumers and industry experts alike ponder the implications of such a long-term commitment.
Shedding light on this decision, Seang Chau, Google’s Vice President of Devices and Services, recently took to the Made by Google podcast to discuss the rationale behind the extended support. Chau credits the company’s custom Tensor processors for enabling this leap in software longevity, which began with an increase from three to five years and has now reached the seven-year mark.
“After we got a couple more years of Tensor under our belt, and we’re really being able to figure out how to best do those updates,” Chau explained, “we got a lot more comfortable saying we can go to that seven years and be able to deliver to our customers that extended time.”
The decision was informed by the usage patterns of the original Pixel phone, which maintained a significant user base up to seven years post-launch. Google’s goal is to support the Pixel for as long as it remains in use, making seven years the target for their support strategy.
Chau also highlighted the importance of the chipset in maintaining software support for older devices. With continuous lab and beta testing facilitated by Android’s Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs), Google is confident in providing reliable updates on a quarterly basis.
As for feature support on legacy hardware, Google has faced challenges, such as initially withholding Gemini Nano from the Pixel 8 due to RAM limitations. However, after further testing, the company reversed its decision and now plans to bring Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8. Chau emphasized that future Pixel feature additions will be rooted in software, ideally not requiring new hardware.
The conversation with Chau offers a glimpse into Google’s strategy for the Pixel’s seven-year update promise. While the future of these devices in 2030 remains to be seen, Google’s commitment to extended support is a clear statement in an industry often criticized for its rapid obsolescence.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
