Android 17: Google ends update support for Pixel 6 (Pro)

Google is officially ending software support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. With the start of the beta for Android 17 QPR2, the smartphones fall out of the development cycle. The last major update will be released in September.

Update stop for flagships

With the start of the latest beta phase for the upcoming operating system update to Android 17 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Releases), the two models Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are no longer part of Google’s active development cycle. Users of the devices will no longer receive any new functions starting this winter. The step marks an important turning point for owners.

The developer originally only guaranteed new Android versions for the sixth Pixel generation for three years and additional security updates for two years. The period was later extended to five years, meaning that the phones received up-to-date software for significantly longer than initially promised.

Last update in autumn

As Google states in the official release notes (via Android Police) confirmed, the previous version Android 17 QPR1 marks the final conclusion. The corresponding update is expected at the beginning of September. The devices then reach their official end-of-life status. In concrete terms, this means that they are completely excluded from future developments, bug fixes and system adjustments.

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users will not receive this OTA update as the device is reaching end of life and the Android 17 QPR1 beta series will be the last for these devices. Google, patch notes

With the exclusion from the QPR2 program, owners of the older generation are already missing out on the first concrete bug fixes. The current test version addresses, among other things, problems with unreliable Bluetooth connections and system crashes that occurred when using the Gemini artificial intelligence. According to the developers, errors in the display of notifications on the lock screen are now a thing of the past.

The end of the support period has advantages and disadvantages for users. On the one hand, the smartphones continue to work without any problems and remain stable on Android 17. On the other hand, the imminent loss of future security patches poses a long-term risk in daily use. Anyone who uses the device beyond fall 2026 is potentially more vulnerable to vulnerabilities.

Exception for the Pixel 6a

However, a grace period applies to the cheaper sister model in the series. The Pixel 6a only came onto the market in summer 2022 and will initially remain in the beta channel for future software tests. As things stand, the phone will continue to receive updates until July 2027. It remains unclear whether it will make the jump to Android 18 next year.