Google Pixel & Pixel XL to receive Android Q update "by popular demand"

by Joshua Swingle / Mar 13, 2019, 8:02 PM

Google Pixel & Pixel XL to receive Android Q update

Today’s Android Q announcement came with one major surprise for Pixel and Pixel XL users – Google has extended software support by a year to include the upcoming version of Android.

Although the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 devices will receive a minimum of three major software updates, Google only ever promised two Android version updates for the original Pixel duo. In fact, the company’s website still states that it can’t guarantee updates after October 2018.

But in the official Android Q Beta announcement post, Google’s VP of Engineering, Dave Burke, revealed that support for the update had been extended to the original Pixel series due to “popular demand.”

Burke didn’t elaborate on these comments but it seems as though the original Pixel series still has a pretty loyal user base. Hopefully, this move also means that Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 support could be extended beyond the guaranteed three years of updates eventually. That is as long as the user base is large enough and the device hardware is capable of supporting the newer software.

Even if this doesn’t happen, three years of software updates in the Android world is certainly nothing to complain about.

The final version of Android Q isn’t due to roll out until the third quarter of 2019, presumably in August. But if you wish to get your hands on the software sooner, Pixel, Pixel 2, and Pixel 3 users can all enroll in the Beta program today.

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8 Comments

1. Subie

Posts: 2424; Member since: Aug 01, 2015

Makes sense to me. With these devices supporting project treble Google should be setting an example for the rest of the Android OEM's...

posted on Mar 13, 2019, 9:11 PM 8

2. libra89

Posts: 2313; Member since: Apr 15, 2016

Wow this is very cool!

posted on Mar 13, 2019, 9:11 PM 6

3. Sammy_DEVIL737

Posts: 1529; Member since: Nov 28, 2016

Google updating Pixel and Pixel XL to Android Q is seriously tempting me to buy Pixel 3 over S10+. Hope Google changes it's software update policy of 2 OS updates to 3 OS updates for all manufacturers. If Google can do than why can't other OEMs.

posted on Mar 13, 2019, 10:54 PM 4

4. iushnt

Posts: 3151; Member since: Feb 06, 2013

You should also keep in mind One UI vs Vanilla android. For me latest ONE UI with older version of android > Latest android without One UI.

posted on Mar 13, 2019, 11:00 PM 1

5. srgonu

Posts: 566; Member since: Feb 13, 2012

With respected to features and funtionality - Yes. With respect to Security (under the hood) - No

posted on Mar 14, 2019, 12:05 AM 3

9. Sammy_DEVIL737

I love both One UI & Stock Android but the problem is that I don’t want my expensive phone to get outdated just after 2 yrs of purchase. 3 yrs would be nice thing.

posted on Mar 14, 2019, 10:31 AM 0

7. Whitedot

Posts: 866; Member since: Sep 26, 2017

"popular demand" I think they came up with it while having a coffee break. Nevertheless great news!

posted on Mar 14, 2019, 1:24 AM 0

8. tokuzumi

Posts: 1961; Member since: Aug 27, 2009

I'm excited to hear this. I was thinking about using LIneage OS on my Pixel after software support ended, but now my 2016 Pixel will have official software for longer than expected. I'm sure the front end will look largely the same as Pie, but it will be good to have all the under the hood tweaks.