When the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL launch in a few weeks, Google is promising to fully support both handsets for at least three years. If you needed yet another reason to go with Google’s new flagships, that’s as good as any.
Google makes the mention on its website, explaining each device will get a minimum of three years of OS and security updates. Typically, Google offers OS updates for two years and security updates for three. So, the difference isn’t drastic, but it’s worth noting.
The commitment means Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners may get a taste of Android R when it launches, presumably in 2020. (Side note: what do we think Android R will be called? Something to ponder over the coming years.) At the very least, each device will be updated through Android Q when the software becomes available in 2019.
Remember that Pixel devices are always first to snag Google’s software updates. Conversely, Android devices made by competing companies typically takes months to update. Android Nougat, which was released in August of last year, is only distributed on 15 percent of devices, which is proof that distribution of new Android updates isn’t great. Android Oreo, Google’s latest release, isn’t yet a blip on Google’s monthly distribution graph.
If we read into it, the language used on Google’s website may even leave the door open for updates beyond its three-year commitment. In other words, if you want the latest version of Android right when it’s released, you can’t do any better than the upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
