Google’s Pixel 9 series may launch with Android 14, not 15

Google’s 2021-released Pixel 6 series shipped with Android 12, while the Pixel 7 series launched with Android 13. Similarly, we saw last year’s Pixel 8 series debut with Android 14 right away, but it looks like the upcoming Pixel 9 series might make a shocking departure from the tradition.

Google’s upcoming Android 15 OS is widely believed to roll out alongside the Pixel 9 series, considering that we’re well into platform stability. The Android 15 Beta 4 dropped earlier this month, bringing with it some finishing touches, while a subsequent Beta 4.1 dropped earlier this week, prompting us to believe that the OS could be just days away from being released.

According to a puzzling revelation made by Android Headlines, the Pixel 9 series will reportedly roll out with Android 14 and not Android 15. The publication did not share how it obtained the information.

It’s worth noting that Google’s OS release schedule, as observed in the past, varies between the months of August and October. For reference, Android 12 came out in October 2021, followed by Android 13 in August, and Android 14 in October.

It’s also worth noting that, historically, Google releases its flagship devices around the second week of October. However, this time around, the new flagship series is launching in the second week of August, exactly two months early. We’re not sure if the earlier timeline might have hampered Google’s plans, though that probably isn’t the case, considering Android 15 appears to be almost ready.

What does this mean for the seven-year update cycle?

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Although the Pixel 9 series shouldn’t be stuck on Android 14 for too long, we’re unsure what this means for Google’s often-promised seven-year update cycle. The update support, which includes OS updates, security patches and Pixel Feature Drops, kicks in from the date the device first becomes available on the Google Store in the US. Considering that the Pixel 9 series will become available roughly a week after its August 13 unveiling, Google must support it until mid-August 2031, at least.

Seven years from now, Google will be on Android 21 (if it maintains the naming pattern), getting ready to launch Android 22. This means that if the Pixel 9 series is to gain support for the distant OS, Android 22 would need to be released before mid-August 2031.

Google could potentially accelerate or slow down its release cycle timeline in the future, or it might make exceptions for OS support in case a device misses out on it by a few weeks or months, though that is all speculation.

Google will release the Pixel 9 series on August 13, and we’re hoping it offers clarity on its Android update plans.

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