When my Pixel 6 Pro was released on October 21, 2022 alongside the Pixel 6, it was the start of a new era for Google’s smartphone line. After a strange Pixel 5 release which featured a single model powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 765G application processor (AP).
The Pixel 6 series included several AI-powered features
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro included AI-powered features such as “Hold for me.” When a call you are on is placed on hold, instead of wasting time hanging on the phone waiting for the call to resume, this feature allows you to step away to do something else.
Gemini AI monitors the call. When the other party returns to the conversation, you are alerted via an audible alert and the Pixel will vibrate to tell you that it is time for you to get back to the call.
The Magic Eraser's first appearance was during the Made by Google 2021 event
The Magic Eraser was another heavily promoted AI feature. It allows you to remove unwanted objects, photobombers, and background distractions from photographs. AI was used to show in the photo what had been covered by the object or person you removed from the screen.
The Pixel 6 line was equipped with the first Tensor application processor
With great fanfare, Google introduced the Tensor processor, which allowed for on-device machine learning and computational photography. Much of the chip’s design and foundry process was shared with Samsung’s Exynos chipset.
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The Pixel 6 line also introduced the rear horizontal camera bar. While redesigned and revised in future models, the camera bar stood out as the main design feature of the phone. Ironically, Apple copied the design for its Pro models starting with 2025’s iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
When first launched, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were to receive three major Android updates
When the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were released, Google promised three major Android updates. Since the phones shipped with Android 12, the phones would be updated to Android 15 and were promised five years of security updates.
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The biggest hint that Google was going to give the Pixel 6 line some extra updates came in November 2024. That is when Google released information stating that the Pixel 6a mid-ranger (released nine months after the Pixel 6 series) would continue to receive Android updates through July 2025.
Since the Pixel 6a shared the same chipset as the Pixel 6 line, there was no reason why the flagship models couldn’t keep support for at least one more year. A few weeks later, in a Google support page update, the Alphabet unit officially gave the Pixel 6 line two additional years of Android updates for a total of five, matching the five security updates that the phones would be allowed.
Last dance with Mary Jane, one more time to kill the pain. | Image by Google
The Pixel security update released a few days ago and lo and behold, it included the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as being among the Pixel models receiving it. It will take about a week for the update to be received.
All supported Pixel devices running Android 17 will receive the update, which is presently rolling out in phases based on carrier and device.
You will receive a notification once the system update is available to be downloaded and installed on your device. The update has three bug fixes:
Fix for issue occasionally causing the ringtone to play with audio noise or distortion during certain VoIP calls on Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a.
Sensors
Fix for issue occasionally causing captured photos or recorded videos to save in the wrong orientation on Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
And so my Pixel 6 Pro has lost support. I plan to continue using it to back up my iPhone 15 Pro Max until I win the lottery or find enough change in my couch cushions to buy a Pixel 11 Pro XL. Hey, most of us got into this business because we love to write about mobile tech, not to get rich.
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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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