Free software upgrade makes Pixel 6 a favorite budget Android phone

Google has extended its software update policy for older Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel Fold, for two years. 

These are two more years of both OS and security updates, meaning models like the Pixel 6 (which launched in 2021) will now be eligible to be upgraded to Android 17, while the Pixel 7 and Pixel Fold can be upgraded to Android 18. The yearly Android operating system refresh is not as extreme as it once was, with Google focusing on security and privacy more than design overhauls at this point in time. 

Still, the ability to keep your older Google Pixel phone up to date with the latest security patches and feature drops is a big win, especially if you're still satisfied with your phone and want to use it for another year or two.