My Pixel 6 is perfectly fine — so why is Google cutting me off from the next big update?

What is a kernel update?

The kernel of an operating system is its core. It handles how the hardware of your phone talks to the software and vice versa. Android is based on Linux, and the kernels are also Linux-based.

The latest such update on Pixel phones happened in March last year, and two years ago in 2024, Google updated the Android Linux kernel to 6.1.99 for all the Tensor-powered Pixel phones. Updating the kernel comes with several benefits and key changes.

First, new kernels sport the latest security; all potential vulnerabilities have been fixed and patched in them. This is different from applying security updates — think of it as a pipe that's leaking. Security updates are just band-aids over the holes, while updating the kernel changes the whole pipe with a new one.

The second big benefit is hardware compatibility. In the case of Android, this means better and smoother operation of the phone and any accessories. Think better processor scheduling, RAM management, and overall system operation.

And finally, kernel updates bring performance and stability gains as well — better instructions, drivers, and better "communication" between the hardware and the software result in better overall performance, efficiency, and stability.

Why is the Pixel 6 being left out?

The official software support for the Pixel 6 series ends in October, 2026. Google moved to a seven-year major OS support cycle with the Pixel 8 series in 2023, and many companies followed suit, including Samsung, and Honor.

The Pixel 6 is on its last leg, however, and Google seems to be leaving it behind. The next generation, the Pixel 7 series, will be supported for another year, but it seems a bit unfair to skip the kernel update on the Pixel 6.

October is still some time away, and giving Pixel 6 phones a fresh kernel could've prolonged their life. Many users reported noticeable performance and efficiency gains following the last kernel drop, including Pixel 6 users.

Pixel 6 users should think of upgrading

There's no information on when this update will happen, and we don't know if the Mystic Leaks information is sound.

However, I might need to retire my Pixel 6 and think of an upgrade soon. The upcoming Pixel 11 series might be a good opportunity to do so, either by getting one of the latest models or snagging a Pixel 10 or even Pixel 9 series device on a deal.

The latest couple of generations will be supported for seven long years, so the Pixel 6 scenario is unlikely to happen.

What do you think about this interesting move from Google? Should Google have given the Pixel 6 one last hoorah before leaving it in the software desert? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comment section below.