Older Pixel phones are getting a major under-the-hood upgrade

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Older Pixel phones are receiving a significant kernel upgrade with the March 2025 update, bringing them to Linux 6.1. This update unifies the kernel versions across Tensor-powered Pixels, such as the Pixel 7 and 8 series, matching the Pixel 9 devices. Some users are reporting better responsiveness and potential battery improvements. Google has officially rolled out the Linux 6.1 kernel to previous-generation Tensor-powered Pixel phones in the stable March 2025 update. This upgrade brings Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series devices, along with the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, up to the same kernel version as the Pixel 9 series. It’s likely to lead to improved security and performance, with some users are already noticing the benefit. We previously reported that Google was testing this upgrade in the QPR2 beta, where it was confirmed that Tensor-powered Pixels would be moving from older kernel versions to 6.1. Now, with the March stable release, the upg ... Read full article.