It's official — the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are entering retirement.
Google has revealed that the mobiles' Android 17 QPR1 installation — the latest major software update — will be the last one.
In its release notes, Google stated: "Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users will not be getting this OTA since the device will reach End of Life and Android 17 QPR1 beta series will be the last for these devices."
According to endoflife.date, these mobiles will no longer receive software and security updates after October 1, 2026.
While these devices will continue to work as normal, some newer apps may no longer function properly. That's because newer app versions, designed with updated features and technologies, may no longer be compatible with older devices.
However, it's the security updates that you really need to care about.
These critical patches fix known weaknesses that criminals could use to break into your device. Without them, your phone becomes more exposed over time, even if everything seems perfectly normal on the surface. This matters most if you're using your phone for online banking, shopping, or accessing email and password managers. Those unpatched security holes can be exploited by malware, putting your sensitive information at serious risk.
These two handsets first hit the shelves back in October 2021, which means they're coming up on their fifth birthday. When they originally launched, Google promised three years of Android OS updates along with five years of security patches. This is typical for any tech gadget— all coming with some sort of expiration date.
But here's the thing — Google actually went above and beyond its initial commitment. Back in 2024, the company decided to boost both phones to a full five years of updates, giving them a much longer lease of life than anyone expected.
There is some good news for Pixel 6a owners, though. That model will keep receiving updates until July 2027, so there's no need to worry just yet if that's the phone in your pocket.
As for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users, you've still got a few updates left to enjoy before the curtain falls. You'll receive the August security patch, followed by the September Pixel Drop bundled with QPR1, and then one last security update in October.
If you're thinking it might be time for an upgrade, the timing could actually work out rather nicely. Google is expected to unveil the brand new Pixel 11 series on Wednesday, August 12 — just weeks before the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro receive their final updates.
