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After an unexpected delay, Google has finally released the September update for Pixel phones. Sadly, the latest build is still based on Android 13. It appears the recent rumor that the stable Android 14 rollout has been pushed to October is true.
Google usually rolls out new updates to Pixel devices on the first Monday of the month. This month, it was expected to push Android 14 to eligible phones and a new feature drop to the Pixel Watch. However, the first Monday of September came and went without a new update in sight.
A week later, the Pixel Watch got its September update without any goodies. Google only pushed the latest security patches to the wearable. In the meantime, a rumor emerged that the company has delayed the Android 14 rollout for Pixel phones until the Pixel 8 launch event in early October.
Google may have now indirectly confirmed that rumor. It pushed the September update to the Pixel lineup without the new Android version. The devices remain on Android 13, with the latest update only bringing this month’s security patches. The official release notes supplied by the company mention nothing else.
This update will reach the Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold worldwide over the next couple of weeks. The new firmware build number for the regular slab phones is TQ3A.230901.001. That for the Tablet is TQ3A.230901.001.B1 and the Fold is TQ3C.230901.001.A1.
As usual, the build number for some of these devices may vary depending on your country and carrier. For example, it’s TQ3C.230901.001.A2 for the Pixel Fold in Japan. Only the final bit (A1, A2, B1, and so on) of the build number will differ, though. The initial part (TQ3C.230901.001) will remain the same.
The stable Android 14 update may arrive in early October
The September update for the Pixel lineup brings several dozen security fixes, including some critical ones. Among those is a high-severity Mali vulnerability that, Google says, “may be under limited, targeted exploitation.” You should install the update as soon as possible to keep your phone safe from potential attacks.
Hopefully, this will be the last Android 13-based monthly update for Pixel devices. If the aforementioned rumor turns out to be accurate, all eligible models will get Android 14 in early October. Google has scheduled the Pixel 8 launch for October 4. It may announce the public release of the big Android update on the same day.