By extending software support for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro for seven years, Google has at last shown some appreciation for Android consumers. This implies that, unlike any other top Android phones on the market, you can anticipate receiving the most recent Android OS upgrades and security updates for seven years after purchasing your phone. Google will also make replacement components for the Pixel 8 accessible during that time in order to match that promise.
Google Blog’s Post
In a blog post, Google stated that it will provide seven years of hardware support for the Pixel 8 series and its long-term software support. This enables you to continue using your phone even if it malfunctions without worrying about where to get replacement components. Additionally, a Google employee assured Android Authority that replacement components for the Pixel 8 will be accessible until 2030.
Although the firm hasn’t specified the specific process, it’s probable that Google will collaborate with iFixit, like they did for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, to make Pixel 8 repair components accessible to users. If this is the case, you will be able to purchase authentic Pixel 8 repair components from iFixit and will also have access to comprehensive repair instructions.
Major Benefit
It’s great to see Google double the amount of software it will release for its Pixel phones, putting it up to par with what Apple offers for the iPhone. Compared to the past, when Google only provided three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, this is a significant increase. For their most recent flagships, Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi only provide four years of Android OS upgrades and five security patches.
However, Google’s decision to offer equally lengthy hardware support marks a significant advancement in the company’s sustainability objectives and is also unusual. Even green phone makers like Fairphone, at least for the Fairphone 2, promise to guarantee up to five years of replacement parts availability.
Right-to-Repair Act
You may use the phone indefinitely with its seven years of upgrades and replaceable components. However, it’s certainly not a coincidence that the Mountain View-based computer behemoth made this choice just a few weeks after the California State Assembly enacted a law granting consumers the right to repair their electronic devices. The law mandates that businesses give customers access to replacement parts, manuals, and software for seven years (against three years) for devices costing $100 or more.
Conclusions
Despite all this, the news is excellent for the environment. Google wants consumers to retain their Pixel phones for longer by extending the software and hardware support. By doing this, less electronic trash is generated.