Recently, Google listened to its up-to-date customers and announced an extended period of two more years for software support, this time for the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 7 series, and the original Pixel Fold. It was just a matter of time before these customers started breathing a little easier because they happened to be users of devices packing Google’s Tensor chip inside. On the other hand, such extensions also testify to a greater reality: Android 16 and 17 will not bring marvelous features to unpack.
What This Says about Android’s Future
Although Google has released little official information on Android 17 or minimal information about Android 16, the extended support for Pixel 6 devices is a telling sign. It means future updates will not be so demanding as to render obsolete older hardware. Hence, it is expected that the Pixel 6, with its first-generation Tensor chip and 8GB of RAM, could fairly handle these updates without major performance issues.
At launch, the Pixel 6 was a pretty good device; soon, however, it became overshadowed by its successor in terms of hardware in particular, Artificial Intelligence processing. But then again, most of Google’s advancements in recent years, especially those about artificial intelligence, really aren’t core Android system features. Rather, they are proprietary features attached to specific Google devices.
Proprietary Features Approach
Although Android is open source, it really has become an increasingly proprietary platform from Google. A large number of such headline features that were promoted during the launch of the Pixel, whether they were some advanced AI features or far-ranging camera enhancements, were promptly made exclusive for Pixel phones. Tagging it with the term “Pixel paywall” keeps all these features tied into newer models, thus driving user upgrades.
Moreover, it is not merely limited to one company. Other companies have also brought up their best functionalities only about their hardware ecosystem, such as Apple and Samsung. But the whole thing is different with Google because the whole Android business is taking it as an open-source operating system. In fact, the open version of Android does not have most of the proprietary enhancements to create the entire Pixel experience.
What to Expect from Android 16 and Beyond
However, Android 16 will probably be debuted along with a new Pixel phone. Its “new” features are mostly Google’s proprietary additions instead of core Android updates. Quite possibly, some may be specifically available to the latest Pixel models, like the Pixel 10. Users with older devices, like the Pixel 6, will have to manage their expectations around that. The device will perform the same as when it was launched, but one should not expect to have the latest features customizable on newer hardware.
Why This Matters
While some users may find this approach frustrating, it aligns with Google’s role as a for-profit company. Proprietary features and limited access are part of a strategy to drive device sales and maintain a competitive edge. That said, Android updates still deliver critical improvements in areas like stability, security, and privacy. These often-overlooked changes ensure the platform remains reliable and secure, even if they lack the flashiness of new AI-driven features.
Look Ahead: Brighter Future
An extended support for Tensor-powered devices shows yet again a positive trend in the tech world, the one which keeps believable promises of longer lifespans for devices. And Nvidia, like many others, has been showing its worth when managing the control over its hardware and software stack to provide support for devices for a long time. Along with Google’s imprint, this will be one more step forward, even if not by revolutionizing future Android versions.
Thus, while the Pixel 6 experience might not really be revolutionized by Android 16 or 17, it is still very much going to get its updates that will maintain security status and functionality. In turn, the company’s feature strategy keeps its signature devices at the forefront of innovation.
