Your Pixel phone could get a big under-the-hood upgrade this year
Android Police 2026-07-02 05:06:01
Context: Google is reportedly preparing a significant under-the-hood upgrade for its Pixel devices, specifically a major Linux kernel update, which could enhance system stability, security, and performance. This update is expected to roll out to the Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel 10 lineup. The upgrade is anticipated to bring improvements to CPU scheduling, memory management, storage, and filesystem performance.
Key Facts
- Google is preparing a major Linux kernel upgrade for its recent Pixel phones, with the Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 series moving from 6.1-android14 to 6.12-android16, and the Pixel 10 lineup jumping from 6.6-android15 to 6.12-android16.
- The Linux 6.12 kernel includes numerous fixes and improvements, including enhancements to CPU scheduling, memory management, storage, and filesystem performance, which should help improve app installation and launch times.
- The new kernel could make Pixel devices run faster, smoother, and cooler, with potential small performance gains in daily use, although significant changes are not expected.
- The last Linux kernel upgrade for Pixel phones arrived with Android 15 QPR2 in 2024, and based on the timing of the leak, the new kernel might land with Android 17 QPR2 towards the end of the year.
- The Pixel 6 will apparently miss out on the kernel upgrade, as it is set to reach the end of its support period in October 2026.