August 13 was a significant day for Google and Pixel enthusiasts worldwide, as the Pixel 9 series was officially unveiled. While the new Pixels bring significant improvements and new AI features compared to their predecessors, one surprising aspect of this launch is that the Pixel 9 series does not come with the latest Android version, Android 15, unlike previous Pixel releases. Does this indicate that Google is already backtracking on its 7-year update promise? Let’s explore this further.
Pixel 9: Has Google Broken Its Update Promise?
Google’s 7-year update pledge, announced with the Pixel 8 series, created a buzz in the Android community, as it positioned Google ahead of Apple in the updates game. While many were thrilled by the commitment, some skeptics wondered if Google would truly live up to it, given its track record of falling short on promises.
Fast forward a year, and it seems Google may be deviating from its commitment. The Pixel 9 series launched with Android 14 instead of the expected Android 15, which is surprising for a new Pixel device. However, there may be internal factors influencing this decision, which could explain why Android 15 didn’t debut alongside the Pixel 9 series.
However, a counterpoint to consider is that Android 15 Beta 4 was released a month ago and had already achieved platform stability. Typically, new Pixels receive the latest Android update a month or two after the final beta, even if the official release timeline doesn’t specify a date. Therefore, Google could have potentially launched Android 15 alongside the Pixel 9 if they had chosen to do so. It’s possible, though, that they intended to release it but encountered delays with the stable builds.
Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 Series to Receive the Same Number of Android Updates
Another possibility is that Google intentionally reduced the update count early in the 7-year update cycle, possibly because they do not intend to support the Pixel 9 series through to Android 22. This means that while the Pixel 9 will technically receive 7 years of updates, it will only get 6 major Android updates beyond Android 15 and feature drops until August 2031.
As complicated as this scenario may seem, it’s not unusual in the Android ecosystem. When a manufacturer launches a phone with, for example, Android 14 and promises three major updates, users often expect the device to be updated up to Android 17.
Many manufacturers employ a strategy of releasing a phone just before a new Android version is about to launch, allowing them to include the upcoming version in their update quota. Google appears to have adopted this approach with the Pixel 9 series.
Google’s 7-year update promise covers all major Android versions and feature drops released during that period. Since new Android versions typically debut in September or October and the Pixel 9 is supported until August 13, 2031, it’s unlikely that Android 22 will be released before August 14. Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that the Pixel 9 may not receive Android 22.
Ultimately, the confusion stems from Google launching the Pixel 9 series a month earlier than usual. This timing might have been chosen to beat the iPhone 16 series, scheduled for a September release, or perhaps Google wanted to avoid launching the Pixel 9 with Android 15, as doing so would obligate them to support the device through to Android 22.
Backtracking on Updates or Free Update Compensation?
If you’re wondering whether Android 15 will be a free update and not count towards the update quota, it’s worth noting that the Made by Google event, similar to Google I/O, barely mentioned Android 15. This suggests that Google will likely include the upcoming Android 15 update for the Pixel 9 series in its 7-year update commitment.
As a result, by the end of 2031, both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series will have received the same number of Android updates and will be on the same version, Android 21. However, the Pixel 9 will have an additional year of feature drops.
What do you think about Google releasing the Pixel 9 series with Android 14 instead of Android 15? Do you believe this was a strategic move by Google to make meeting the 7-year update promise easier? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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