Android 16 for Pixel: Release Date, Supported Models and Update Support
Android 16 reached Pixel phones on June 10, 2025. Every Pixel from the Pixel 6 onward was eligible on day one, and the Pixel 10 series later shipped with it preinstalled. If you're reading this with a supported Pixel, the more relevant update now is Android 17, which Google released for Pixels on June 16, 2026.
Below you'll find the full Android 16 timeline for Pixel, the list of supported models, how long each Pixel stays supported, and how to make sure your phone is up to date.
When did Android 16 come to Pixel phones?
Google released the stable version of Android 16 on June 10, 2025, the same day it reached Pixel phones. That was earlier than any previous major release. Until Android 15, new versions usually arrived between August and October. Google moved the schedule to the second quarter so Pixels and partner phones launching later in the year could ship with the newest version.
The rollout was staged, so not every Pixel saw the update on the first day, but most supported phones had it within a week or two. Unlocked Pixels typically get updates slightly earlier than carrier versions.
Which Pixel phones got Android 16?
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 9a
- Pixel Tablet
The Pixel 10 series launched in August 2025 with Android 16 already installed. The Pixel 5, Pixel 5a and older models didn't receive Android 16.
How long do Pixel phones get Android updates?
This is where older advice online is often wrong. Pixel support periods have grown a lot:
- Pixel 8 and newer: seven years of Android version upgrades and security updates from launch.
- Pixel 6, Pixel 7 and Pixel Fold: originally promised three years of Android upgrades, but Google extended them to five years of OS and security updates. That's why the Pixel 6 series received both Android 16 and Android 17, with Android 17 being its final major version.
You can see your phone's guaranteed update date in Google's Pixel Help center or under Settings > About phone on newer models.
What did Android 16 bring to Pixel?
On Pixel, Android 16 added Live Updates for progress notifications like rides and deliveries, automatic grouping of notifications, the Advanced Protection security mode, better support for LE Audio hearing aids and improved app behavior on the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. In September 2025, the Android 16 QPR1 update brought Material 3 Expressive, Google's refreshed design with bolder shapes, smoother animations and new customization options.
How do I update my Pixel to the latest version?
- Back up your photos, contacts and messages with Google One or Google Photos.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your phone, or keep it plugged in.
- Open Settings > System > Software updates > System update.
- Tap Check for update, then download and install anything available.
- Restart when prompted. The installation finishes during the reboot.
On a supported Pixel today, this will take you to Android 17 rather than Android 16. You can confirm your version under Settings > About phone > Android version.
Common misunderstandings about Pixel update timing
- "Pixels only get three years of updates." That was true for older models. Pixel 8 and newer get seven years, and the Pixel 6 and 7 families were extended to five.
- "Every Pixel gets the update at the same moment." Google rolls updates out in waves, so a few days' difference between identical phones is normal.
- "Carrier Pixels update at the same time." Carrier models sometimes lag a little behind unlocked ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Android 16 still the newest version for Pixel?
No. Android 17 replaced it on June 16, 2026, and it's available for the Pixel 6 and all newer Pixels.
Can I still join a beta on my Pixel?
Yes. The Android Beta Program for Pixel continues to offer test builds of upcoming updates. Keep in mind that leaving a beta before the stable release arrives usually requires erasing your phone.
Will my Pixel 6 get Android 18?
No. Android 17 is the last major version for the Pixel 6 series. It will keep receiving security updates only until its five-year support window ends.