What it’s essential to know
- Google is updating the Linux kernel model of older Pixel units with the March 2025 safety patch.
- The Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 collection are actually utilizing the 6.1.x model as of the newest replace.
- This transfer was beforehand reported approach again in January 2024, and is simply now being made.
Google rolled out its March Function Drop and the March 2025 safety patch for eligible Pixel telephones this week, and the latter included an under-the-radar tweak that’s making older Pixels run smoother. As noticed by a Reddit user, the Linux kernel on units with older Tensor processors has been up to date to the 6.1.x model (through Android Authority). Beforehand, telephones with Tensor G3 chipsets and older had been operating the older model 5.10.x of the Linux kernel.
This can be a refined change that might result in massive advantages for folks every day driving a Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or Pixel 8 collection gadget. The newest Google Pixel 9 collection already had the 6.1.x model of the Linux kernel, however that is the primary time the newer model has made its technique to a steady replace for older units. Customers are noticing this tweak after making use of the March 2025 replace for Pixels.
One person says that “the cellphone feels extraordinarily responsive in comparison with pre- March replace,” in response to the Reddit thread. One other stories that they’re “seeing a superb increase in battery life since March replace.” It is unclear whether or not these enhancements are immediately linked to the kernel replace, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a constructive signal for house owners of getting old Pixel telephones.
Individually, one other Reddit person stories that the March 2025 patch has up to date the baseband model for his or her Pixel 8 Professional, which may result in much less background battery drain.
Pixels with Tensor CPU, get 6.1.x Linux kernel from r/GooglePixel
You’ll be able to examine the Linux kernel model to your gadget by opening the Settings app. Then, faucet About cellphone > Android model and discover the quantity listed beneath Kernel model. In case you are operating a beta or developer preview construct, your older Pixel gadget might have already up to date its kernel model earlier than the March 2025 safety replace.
Google’s seven-year replace promise hinges on it with the ability to ship new updates to older chipsets, and issues like routine Linux kernel replace are essential to the corporate fulfilling that promise.
A report from January 2024 predicted that Google would bump the Linux kernel model of older Pixels to the 6.1.x model, and that now comes over a 12 months later.