Google was one of the first Android manufacturers to offer a multi-year guarantee on updates. But even that ends at some point. In 2022 for four devices, but not simultaneously. For the past few years, Google has offered a 3-year software warranty for its own Pixel phones.
This applied to the security updates, but also to major system updates with new Android versions. The device prices were irrelevant for this. The oven is off for four devices this year. This makes us aware of how established Google’s device series already is.
The update guarantee for the Pixel 3a series should already end this May. This means that the revised Android 12L is definitely still available via update. Android 12L is expected to be released in March. Android 13 should no longer be available for mid-range smartphones from 2019 since this update is only planned for autumn.
Pixel 4 users are allowed to experience 5 versions of AndroidThings are looking better for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, which are guaranteed to receive fresh system updates until October. Android 12L and Android 13 will probably fall during this period. It’s probably like the Pixel 3, which received the new Android 12 last year as the crowning glory.
For the flagships from 2019, this means taking a total of five Android versions with you. The devices were originally released with Android 10 and then there were updates to Android 11, 12, 12L and 13.
Update warranty overview of pre-Pixel 6 devices:
With the Pixel 6 series, Google has increased the guarantee for security updates to five years. New Android versions are still only guaranteed for a maximum of three years. However, intermediate versions such as Android 12L could still be delivered after a guarantee, which is probably what is planned for the Pixel 3 devices.