Wonder if Your Pixel Phone Will Get Android 13? Check This List

Among the best advantages of proudly owning a Pixel cellphone is that Google’s gadgets are normally the primary to get new Android updates. Relying on which Pixel you personal, your cellphone could possibly be eligible for upgrades over the following three to 5 years.

Android model updates normally carry new options and design tweaks to your cellphone. Android 13, for instance, will introduce extra Materials You customization when it launches this fall. It will even have higher privateness and security measures and improved compatibility with gadgets comparable to laptops and audio system. 

Google ensures three years of software program and 5 years of safety updates for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional from when these gadgets turned out there within the US Google Play Retailer. That features three main Android model updates, safety updates till October 2026 and “characteristic drops,” that are smaller software program updates introducing extras comparable to vaccine card shortcuts and air high quality alerts. In case you personal a Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 5 or Pixel 5A, you may count on to get updates for a minimum of three years from the date every cellphone launched within the US Google Retailer. 

The Pixel 3 and earlier are not eligible for Android model and safety updates. Google nonetheless consists of the Pixel 3A and 3A XL on its checklist of supported telephones regardless that these gadgets are solely assured to obtain updates till Might 2022. CNET has contacted Google for readability and can replace this story accordingly. 

Check out the desk beneath to see how lengthy your machine will likely be appropriate with new Android software program updates.

Learn extra: What iOS 16 and Android 13 Inform Us In regards to the Way forward for Smartphones

What’s new in Android 13?

Android 13 will introduce a bunch of recent options that purpose to enhance safety, customization and connectivity with different gadgets. Some highlights embody:

• Finish-to-end encryption for group conversations to its Wealthy Communication Providers messages app
• Emergency SOS requires Put on OS smartwatches
• An enlargement of Materials You that features premade colour units and themed icons on your residence display screen apps
• The flexibility to routinely erase your cellphone’s copy-and-paste clipboard after a brief time period
• Quick pairing for establishing new gadgets

Android 13 is at present nonetheless in beta, and we’re anticipating to see the ultimate model arrive within the fall alongside the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. Try our full story on Android 13 to be taught extra about what’s coming within the replace. 

Learn extra: The Most Thrilling New Telephones We’re Hoping to See in 2022

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What are Pixel feature drops?

Pixel feature drops are exactly what the name implies: regular updates that bring new features to Pixel phones. While new Android versions, such as Android 13, bring sweeping changes to the entire operating system, feature drops are smaller updates focused on specific additions. Google launched its first feature drop in December 2019, and new releases typically debut in December, March and June. 

Google announced its latest Pixel feature drop on June 6, and it’s available for the Pixel 4 and later. The update includes a new tool for creating music videos, easy access to your COVID-19 vaccine card from the home screen, new wallpapers for Pride Month, conversation mode for reducing background noise in the Pixel’s Sound Amplifier accessibility mode and more information on the lock screen, such as a Nest doorbell video feed. 

Read more: Google Pixel Watch: What We Know (and Don’t) So Far

How do I see my Pixel’s Android version and check for updates?

You can check your phone’s Android version and see if updates are available by opening the Settings menu, tapping System and selecting System update. 

While Google says most security patches will happen automatically, you can check for security updates manually by launching the Settings app, choosing Security and selecting the Google Security checkup tool. 

You can also see if a Google Play system update is available from this menu by choosing the Google Play system update option in the Security section. 

Looking for more Pixel advice? Learn whether you should upgrade to the Pixel 6 and check out these Pixel tips and tricks.