Google Pixel 3 and 3XL get a new update to add VoLTE roaming

If you still have a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3XL in your possession, then you will be very happy to know that a surprise update is available for you. Although initially not on the list of Pixel phones that would get it, this update will ensure that your phone receives the promised VoLTE roaming capabilities in the aftermath of the 2G and 3G network shutdowns.

This was reported by Android Police when they noticed the update was available and thus reached out to Google to confirm. Originally, only the Pixel 3a and newer were supposed to get this included in the June 2022 software update. However, it looks like this was just an oversight, and the almost four-year-old phone has now been added to the list. Phones not on the list would be impacted by possibly losing voice calling services, the ability to make 911 calls, or losing connectivity when the 3G networks are shut down.

It is great to see Google supporting phones on their end-of-life list, particularly the Pixel 3 and 3XL, which received their last system update back in February. However, with Apple providing updates on their iPhones for roughly five to seven years, and Samsung upping their devices’ security update support to four years, I think Google needs to step it up in this regard.

Featured Photo by Luca on Unsplash