LineageOS has rolled out support for the 2016 Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL in their latest firmware build of Android Oreo 8.1. In LineageOS terms, that build 15.1. The addition of the two Google phones adds to an ever increasing number of devices that the independent Android development group, which rose from the ashes of CyanogenMod, supports.
Like other phones, in order to use LineageOS on your Pixel or Pixel XL, you will need to have the bootloader unlocked and be comfortable with manually installing a software build. It isn’t an overly difficult process but if you aren’t familiar with the process or comfortable with it, its best to stay away.
That said, like likes of LineageOS allows for older devices to live well beyond the updates that are provided by the original manufacture. Perhaps the best example of this is the original OnePlus One. It was launched back in 2014 and it can is supported in v15.1 and running Oreo. That’s pretty cool when you think about it.
Google Pixel XL
As for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, officially these phones will be getting Android P but it will be the last major update for them. They will continue to get security updates through October of this year. After that, if you want major updates, you’ll have to look to the likes of Lineage to sort you out.
