For owners of Google's 2019 flagship, the Pixel 4, the story of software updates was supposed to have ended over three years ago. However, the dedicated developer community behind the popular custom ROM LineageOS has just rewritten that final chapter. In a significant move, the team has granted the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL official support for LineageOS 23, a stable build based on Android 16. This development offers a sanctioned path to modern software for a device long abandoned by its manufacturer, challenging the conventional lifespan of smartphones and showcasing the power of open-source development.
Device Support Timeline:
- Google's Final Official Update: Android 13 (October 2022)
- LineageOS Official Support: LineageOS 23 / Android 16 (December 2025)
- Gap Between Official and Community Support: Over 3 years
Official LineageOS Support Revives the Pixel 4
The Google Pixel 4 and its larger sibling, the Pixel 4 XL, received their final official operating system update from Google in October 2022 with Android 13. While a subsequent security patch arrived months later, the device was effectively declared end-of-life. The recent addition of the Pixel 4 series to the official LineageOS 23 roster changes this narrative entirely. "Official" status is a crucial distinction within the custom ROM community, as it signifies that the maintainers have rigorously tested the build and deem it stable enough for daily use, with core hardware features like calling, mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the camera functioning reliably. This move transforms the Pixel 4 from a deprecated device into one with a credible, community-supported future.
LineageOS 23 for Pixel 4 - Key Details:
- Base: Android 16 Initial Stable Release (Not QPR2)
- Status: Official (Deemed stable for daily use)
- Notable App Update: Aperture camera app rewritten for performance.
- New Camera Features: Support for JPEG Ultra HDR and RAW + JPEG capture.
- Missing Features: Android 16 QPR2 features like Expressive Material You theming and Live Updates.
What Android 16 Brings to the Aging Hardware
Installing LineageOS 23 on the Pixel 4 delivers the foundational experience of Android 16, Google's latest major OS release. This includes under-the-hood improvements in performance, security, and privacy that were never intended for this hardware. The ROM also bundles revamped system applications, most notably a completely rewritten Aperture camera app designed for better performance. It introduces support for modern image formats like JPEG Ultra HDR and the ability to capture RAW and JPEG files simultaneously on supported devices. However, it is important to temper expectations, as this build is based on the initial Android 16 codebase and not the more recent Quarterly Platform Release 2 (QPR2).
The Caveats: Missing Features and the Installation Hurdle
The decision to base LineageOS 23 on Android 16's initial release means several of the platform's headline features announced later are absent. Pixel 4 users flashing this ROM will not experience the new Material You "Expressive" dynamic theming engine, the Live Updates feature for system components, or other enhancements packaged within QPR2. The LineageOS team has confirmed work has begun on version 23.2, which will migrate to the QPR2 base, but its release timeline is uncertain. Furthermore, accessing this new lease on life requires a technical process: unlocking the device's bootloader and manually installing the custom ROM. This procedure voids warranties, carries a risk of rendering the device unusable if done incorrectly, and is a significant barrier for less technically inclined users.
Installation Requirements & Considerations:
- Prerequisite: Unlocking the device bootloader (wipes device data).
- Risk: Potential to "brick" the device if the process fails.
- Update Model: Manual installation required for future updates (no automatic OTA from Google).
- Warranty: Typically voided by unlocking the bootloader.
A Testament to Extended Device Longevity
The official support of a 2019 device like the Pixel 4 by LineageOS underscores a growing movement towards extending the usable life of hardware. It stands as a direct challenge to the standard two-to-three-year software support cycle common in the Android ecosystem. The Pixel 4 now joins a wide array of devices, from newer Pixels to phones from Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, in receiving Android 16 through community efforts. This achievement highlights how collaborative development can breathe years of additional functionality into devices, reducing electronic waste and providing cost-effective options for users who prioritize software over hardware upgrades.
Weighing the Decision to Install
For the dwindling number of users still actively using a Pixel 4 as a primary device, or for those who have one tucked away as a backup, LineageOS 23 presents a compelling proposition. It offers a pathway to a modern, secure, and feature-rich operating system long after the manufacturer's support has expired. The trade-off, however, is substantial. Users must forfeit the convenience and safety of automatic over-the-air updates, accept the lack of certain late-cycle Android 16 features, and confidently navigate a potentially daunting installation process. For the adventurous and technically capable, it represents the ultimate software upgrade. For others, it serves as a powerful demonstration of what is possible when a community decides a device's story isn't over.