- Google appears to be changing the criteria for its monthly software updates, specifically targeting older (legacy) Google Pixel devices.
- Prioritizing engineering cycles, software updates for legacy Google Pixel devices are transitioning to a sustainable and high-impact quarterly schedule.
- This change is not intended to reduce the engineering team’s workload, but rather to ensure updates are delivered in a way that truly matches their processing capacity.
Monthly software updates for Google Pixel devices have traditionally been released without fail every month. However, over the past six months or so, there have been an increasing number of instances where updates were randomly skipped for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series.
While the skipping of monthly updates is a cause for concern among users, it appears Google is changing its delivery criteria for these updates specifically for older Google Pixel devices (legacy devices). This possibility surfaced after a Pixel 7 user, who contacted Google Support directly, shared the support team’s response on the social news site Reddit.
To summarize the details: Google is prioritizing engineering cycles for its software update delivery. For legacy Google Pixel devices, updates are transitioning to a more sustainable and high-impact quarterly schedule. Furthermore, it was noted that this change is not meant to reduce the engineering team’s workload, but rather to ensure that updates are delivered in a way that truly aligns with their processing capacity.
Additionally, it was explicitly mentioned that the next scheduled software update is set for March 2026, when the new “Pixel Drop” features will be provided. While it hasn’t been clarified exactly which models are considered “legacy devices,” based on recent events, it is highly expected that at least the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series will definitely be included.
In fact, exactly one year ago in March 2025, Google changed the software update schedule for the Google Pixel Watch series from monthly to quarterly releases. It seems that legacy Google Pixel devices are now being moved to that same schedule.
Hi
Regarding your inquiry about the January update for the Pixel 7: We are prioritizing engineering cycles where they matter most.
The January OTA was bypassed for the 7-series. We are moving to a more sustainable, high-impact Quarterly Update Schedule for legacy hardware. This isn’t about doing less; it’s about ensuring the updates you do get are actually worth the bandwidth.
Here is the trajectory:
- Current Status: Your device remains secure on the December build.
- The Next Leap: Expect your next major system update and Feature Drop in March 2026.
- Your hardware is still very much in the game.
In the meantime, ensure your Google Play System Updates are current. That’s the “over-the-air” equivalent of a quick pit stop to keep the software optimized.
Reddit
If this is to be treated as an official announcement from Google, it is a disappointing development. However, as explained in this article on our site, Android devices receive three main types of updates at different times: software updates, “Google System Updates,” and “Google Play System Updates.” Therefore, just because a software update isn’t delivered doesn’t mean security risks suddenly skyrocket; basic improvements and new features are still provided on a regular basis.
It’s possible that Google decided to shift legacy Google Pixel devices to a quarterly update schedule with these other update channels in mind. Regardless, while it is unfortunate news, it may not be a reason to be overly concerned.
jetstream.blogSource：Reddit
コメントを残す