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Google has released yet another Android 14 beta update for Pixel devices, the fourth over the past month. Users enrolled in the beta program are receiving Beta 5.3 with several bug fixes. Beta 5, Beta 5.1, and Beta 5.2 were also bug-fixing updates as the company prepares for the stable Android 14 release.
The latest beta release has the firmware build number UPB5.230623.009 for all eligible Pixels. It still bundles the August 2023 Android security patch, even though the September patch is already available (Samsung has released the update for a few Galaxy devices). But there are plenty of other bug fixes to look forward to.
According to the official release notes, the Android 14 Beta 5.3 fixes an issue with “CallStyle” notifications that occasionally crash apps. Google has also fixed various issues causing call or carrier service interruptions. Additionally, it corrected a system issue where phones were using ” an inefficient path when placing CPU restrictions on apps running in the background.” Other bugs impacting system stability and performance have been fixed as well.
The Android 14 Beta 5.3 further addresses a bunch of issues on the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. These big-screen devices had a bug that caused the taskbar to disappear sometimes while interacting users were with it. The taskbar would still be functional, but not visible at the bottom of the screen. Google also fixed a problem with animated wallpapers. Users complained about animation stutters when launching apps.
Pixel Fold units running Android 14 beta had issues with the Home screen customization as well. The interface layout was misaligned while customizing, Google noted. The Beta 5.3 update fixes this problem. Last but not least, this update fixes a bug that caused the clock on the lock screen to flicker while animating on the first-gen Google foldable.
Android 14 Beta 5.3 is now rolling out over the air
Google started rolling out the Android 14 Beta 5.3 update on Wednesday. The update will reach all eligible units over the air (OTA) within the next few days. The company is running the Android 14 beta program for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold.
Google has spent the past month ironing out bugs in Android 14. This suggests the stable update is just around the corner. However, rumors are that the company has delayed the rollout until October. It reportedly plans to release Android 14 alongside the Pixel 8 series. We might get a confirmation from Google in the coming weeks.