Verizon also reaffirmed you'll be able to uninstall the three Verizon apps that will come preloaded on the Pixel sold in the company's stores
Contrary to what we first thought, it's looking like you needn't worry about buying a Google Pixel smartphone directly from Verizon.
The carrier says its deal with Google means that Android updates will function just like on iOS: when Google pushes them out, they'll be ready to download. Verizon issued a statement to Ars Technica clarifying the matter after original reporting indicated there'd be a delay in updates in order to verify and test updates on Verizon's network.
First and foremost, all operating system and security updates to the Pixel devices will happen in partnership with Google. In other words, when Google releases an update, Verizon phones will receive the same update at the same time (much like iOS updates). Verizon will not stand in the way of any major updates and users will get all updates at the same time as Google.
Google chimed in as well, telling Ars there won't be any delay. "OS updates and monthly security patches will be updated on all Pixel devices (Verizon and non-Verizon versions) simultaneously," said a company spokesperson.
Verizon also reaffirmed you'll be able to fully uninstall (not just disable) the three pre-loaded Verizon apps. It's a big leap forward for a carrier-branded phone. Such devices are usually loaded down with bloatware and lag far behind Google's previous Nexus phones when it comes to Android updates.
Finally, the Verizon version will also be carrier-unlocked. This will let you take it to another carrier should you decide to switch networks later on. It technically has a locked bootloader, but that is only really of concern to hackers who like to root their phones (a small but vocal population).
This story, "Verizon Pixel phones will get Android updates at the same time as those sold by Google" was originally published by Greenbot.
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