TL;DR
- Google has confirmed that the final Pixel 3 update will be released sometime in the first quarter of 2022.
- This last software update for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will likely bring minor bug fixes.
- The Pixel 3a series still has monthly software updates planned for at least several more months.
Earlier this week, Google released the November 2021 security updates for its currently supported Pixel smartphones. It was also the first such release that didn’t have updates for the four-year-old Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. However, it’s now confirmed that the Pixel 3 series will receive one final software update.
Google has confirmed, via a statement sent to 9to5Google, that the final Pixel 3 update will drop sometime in the first quarter of 2022. It will likely include some bug fixes for Android 12, along with the most current security update, rolled up into one last release. It’s possible the update could also include the final non-beta release of Android 12L, which is currently scheduled to be made available late in the first quarter of 2021.
Notably, the current version of Android 12 is missing Chromecast volume controls due to a ‘legal issue.’ A fix is expected to arrive with the release of Android 12L, but it’s unclear whether or not the Pixel 3 series will be eligible for that update. In other words, the Pixel 3 may have lost Chromecast volume controls and may not get them back.
Once that final update is made available, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL won’t receive any more security fixes. Pixel 3 owners will likely want to take a serious look at updating their handsets for a newer smartphone in the Pixel series.
This does not affect the Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, both of which are supposed to continue receiving security updates through at least May 2022.
