Google's recent move has sparked a debate among Pixel users. Say goodbye to monthly security patches for the Pixel 6 and 7 series!
Google has quietly shifted these devices to a quarterly update schedule, a decision that has left many users feeling uncertain about their device's security. While Google assures that older Pixels will remain secure, the lack of monthly patches has raised concerns.
The change became noticeable in July 2025, when the Pixel 6 lineup started missing its monthly updates. By November, both the Pixel 6 and 7 series had skipped several patches. Google's February 2026 update confirmed the new quarterly schedule, with the next patch scheduled for March 2026.
Here's the catch: Google hasn't officially announced this policy shift. They've responded to user concerns by stating that Pixel phones will "remain security compliant" during their support period. But here's where it gets controversial... Google's support documentation doesn't explicitly promise monthly updates; instead, it commits to a certain number of years of support, which they seem to be adhering to.
The Pixel 6 series is supported until October 2026, and the Pixel 7 series extends into 2027. Newer devices, like the Pixel 8 series and beyond, continue to receive monthly patches as expected. Google has also started promising updates for a longer period with the Pixel 8, offering 7 years of support.
So, is this a cause for concern? Or is Google simply adapting its update strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Do you think this move will impact user trust in Google's Pixel devices?
