Google has released the Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1, giving an early look at the Google Pixel feature drop for June. By then, however, not all devices will be in their update guarantee, which Google will continue to do consistently. You could have offered the planned interim update for the Pixel 3a smartphones, but you still don’t do it.
At least that’s what a look at the beta program reveals. The new Android 12 QPR3 Beta 1 appears for all devices from the Pixel 4. Google mentions in a comment that Pixel 3a smartphones are currently only receiving the final March update. Then patches for April and May. There is no longer a new beta.
Google is consistent – no life after the update guarantee
Today’s suspension from the beta program indicates that May will really be the very last Android update for the Pixel 3a devices. Even if they would still support the June update without further ado. As I said, Google is consistent. Which we think is a shame. What could have been done? For the Pixel 3a devices, simply guarantee all upcoming Android 12 updates and do not set the EOL for updates to a specific date.
There has been a lot of criticism lately because Google only improved the update guarantee in relation to security updates. With Samsung, there is a manufacturer that now guarantees even more Android updates than Google does for its Pixel series. A freshly issued certificate of poverty.
Google does not react to criticism and competition with existing devices
As far as existing devices are concerned, Google is unreasonable. The existing update guarantee periods will not be shaken. New customization for more updates is now only to be expected for the new Pixel 7 phones. I don’t have any hopes for the Pixel 6a yet.