When Google announced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro a few weeks ago, one of the features they highlighted was a free built-in VPN service through Google One. At the time, they would only confirm that it was coming later this year, but a Google support page has now given us a clear timeframe.
In December, Google plans to launch VPN by Google One for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. It’s an included perk as any phone owner and doesn’t require a Google One subscription. And since it’s not a subscription thing, you won’t get any other Google One benefits unless you actually subscribe to one of those plans.
Here’s how Google describes it:
Until December 2022, Pixel 7* and Pixel 7 Pro* customers without a Google One subscription can access Google One’s VPN at no additional cost on those devices through the Google One app. All other Google One membership benefits are sold separately.
Current Google One Premium members (2 TB or more) already have access to VPN by Google One on multiple devices. This VPN offer does not affect the price or benefits of the Google One Premium plan.
Google One’s VPN is only available with the appropriate Google Account. Workspaces and some supervised accounts (including child accounts) are not eligible.
With the release of Android 13 QPR1 beta 3 yesterday, Google seems to have built-in support for this free VPN service, as seen Mishal Rahman:
Beta 3 adds support for “built-in” VPNs in preparation for the Pixel 7’s launch of the free Google One VPN service. 7’s system image. pic.twitter.com/rxGLKHwggm
— Mishal Rahman (@MishalRahman) October 21, 2022
Why should you care about a free VPN service? Privacy, people. Using a VPN can protect your privacy when you browse the web or use apps from your phone. Google’s VPN sends your data through a “strongly encrypted tunnel” that doesn’t associate any of it with your Google account.
I imagine this launch will be part of December’s Pixel feature drops, which should also bring Clear Calling and other goodies. The last two December feature drops were full of fun new stuff. Let’s just hope all of this won’t be exclusive to the Pixel 7 for much longer. I imagine the Pixel 6 line should be able to run this thing just fine.