Google has announced that it will provide two additional years of OS updates for its Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold devices, exceeding its original promise of three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. This move brings these devices more in line with the company's newer Pixel 8 series, which boasts an industry-leading seven years of OS and security update support.

The news was confirmed by Google on its support page, which now indicates that these devices will receive a total of five years of OS and security support, including new and upgraded features via Pixel Drops. This development is a welcome surprise for owners of these devices, who were initially promised three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches starting from the time they went on sale.

Google's decision to extend OS update support for these devices is seen as a response to Samsung's move to offer four years of OS updates for its Galaxy S22 series. The search giant seems to be making up for lost ground, particularly since the Pixel 6 and 7 owners felt left behind by the company's original three-and-five policy.

It's worth noting that the concept of an "OS update" has evolved over time. Google is now emphasizing the importance of pushing out more updates across older versions of Android through its Play framework. While this approach has its benefits, it also means that the yearly OS upgrade is no longer as crucial as it once was. Additionally, Google can gate certain features to pricier or more recent models, as seen with Night Sight Video and Zoom Enhance.

According to Google's original schedule, the Pixel 6 was expected to receive its last OS platform upgrade with this year's Android 15. However, the device's eligibility for the Android 16 beta hinted that something was amiss. Now, it's confirmed that Pixel 6 phones are on track to receive Android 16 and 17 when they become available, a significant upgrade that will breathe new life into these devices.

This development has significant implications for the Android ecosystem, as it sets a new standard for OS update support. With Google leading the charge, other manufacturers may feel pressure to follow suit and provide longer-term support for their devices. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it's clear that software support will play an increasingly important role in the overall user experience.

In conclusion, Google's decision to extend OS update support for its Pixel 6, 7, and Fold devices is a welcome move that will undoubtedly please owners of these devices. As the company continues to refine its approach to software support, it's likely that we'll see even more significant developments in the future.