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Android 14 gets its first official update with November's security patches
Fixes for bugs and vulnerabilities are heading to a Google Pixel near you
Android 14 took a little longer to make its debut than we were expecting, but after going public alongside the release of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, development seems to be chugging along. Google's beta program has already started testing the December Pixel Feature Drop, and right on time, the company has begun to roll out its first official update to Android 14 for eligible Pixel phones.
Google's kicking Chrome into overdrive with plans for the most frequent updates yet
All in the interest of keeping you safe from security exploits
Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in existence, and one of our favorite browsers on Android. The downside is that its large user base makes Chrome an obvious target for bad actors who try to leverage vulnerabilities and exploit users and their data for personal benefit. Because Google maintains the open-source Chromium project, on which Chrome is based, the company shoulders the responsibility of keeping billions of netizens safe. With that in mind, Google is planning to start releasing stable channel updates more frequently on mobile and PC, so hackers have a slimmer chance of exploiting vulnerabilities before they are patched.
Android’s August security patch goes live with Pixel Fold and Tablet fixes
It's not quite time for Android 14 yet
Android 14 is expected to make its official debut later this month after a six-month beta program, but that hasn't stopped Google from plugging ahead on its regularly scheduled security patches for Android 13. Today, the August 2023 security update has begun rolling out to all of Google's phones and tablets starting with the Pixel 4a.
Samsung's December 2022 patch hits the Galaxy A53 internationally
The update is also available for several other A series phones
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Samsung beat Google at its own game with a stellar four-year Android upgrade promise and even longer support for security patches — that’s one big reason Samsung phones are among our favorite Android flagships. Standing true to its software commitment, Samsung is getting the newest December 2022 patch started with the help of the entire Galaxy S20 lineup, trailing its big One UI 5 update.
The international Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is now receiving the November 2022 security patch
The update is also available for the Tab S7 FE, and some A series phones
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Samsung has the best Android phones on the market and provides the best software support among all manufacturers. It promises four OS updates for its devices after launch, with security releases for another year. Even better, the Korean giant consistently rolls out monthly security patches for its premium and flagship devices on a timely basis at the beginning of every month. Typically, the company releases the latest patch for its flagship Galaxy S series before expanding the rollout to the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold lineup. This time, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is getting the update first.
Google's November Pixel update is live now, but you'll still need to wait for big new features
There's also no sign of a fix for the Pixel 7 Pro's scrolling bug
Google normally rolls out its monthly security updates to Pixel phones on the first Monday of the month. If you check your calendar, you’ll notice that today is indeed the first Monday of November 2022 — and as such, the company has just released its November security update, rolling out to all supported Pixel phones right now.
Samsung's September 2022 security patch is finally reaching the unlocked Galaxy S20 in the US
The S20+ and S20 Ultra are still missing in action
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Samsung has been doing a pretty good job as far as updates go. The company is currently hard at work testing One UI 5, based on Android 13, on its latest and greatest phones. And while that big release has yet to arrive, the company is also keeping its current firmware updated. Carrier-locked phones often take longer to get updates than unlocked variants. As such, Samsung began rolling out its September security patch to its unlocked smartphones, a week behind schedule. Now, it's doing the same for the carrier variants of its phones.
Google's Pixel October 2022 security patch is here with the Pixel 4's last guaranteed update
Plus all the usual bug fixes and improvements you'd expect
It's October 3rd, which can only mean one — well, two — things. As we enter a week where we'll see three brand-new Pixel devices finally launch, Google isn't leaving out current users. If you own a Pixel 4 or later, the October patch is about to make its way to your phone, delivering all sorts of improvements and necessary security fixes.
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Google's September 2022 security patch is here for Pixel phones with fixes for wireless charging
Plus Google keeps working on Pixel 6a fingerprint recognition
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Pixel fans know by now to expect Google's latest patches hitting their phones on the first Monday of the month — except, of course, when that Monday's a holiday in the US, as it was back in July, and as it is once again this week. With everyone coming back from a nice and (hopefully) relaxing Labor Day weekend, it's finally time to get our hands on the latest software for Pixels, with the release of the September Patch for the Pixel 4 and newer phones.
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Google's August 2022 Pixel update is on its way
The latest security patches should be hitting your Pixel phone soon
Right now, Android fans everywhere are atwitter with expectation for the imminent release of Android 13. But before that gets here, Google's latest monthly updates for Pixel phones looks like they should be landing right on schedule, bringing security patches to the current Pixel lineup.
Google's July 2022 security patch is here for Pixel phones
It's on the heels of a scheduled delay thanks to this week's US holiday
Google usually rolls out its monthly patches to Pixels on the first Monday of every month, bringing a whole slate of bug fixes and other improvements to devices everywhere. Of course, like many US workers springing back to work after a long holiday weekend, the company's just a little bit behind its usual schedule. As is standard for when a national holiday falls on a Monday, Google is now pushing out its July security patch to supported Pixels everywhere, only a couple of days off the usual routine.
This month's security patch seems to have caused a glitch on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro where a number of owners can't get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stay on at the same time. After plenty of bellyaching, Google has a response.
Google just released its February patch for current devices, including a timely update for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Meanwhile, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL have been left behind since Android 12 rolled out in October, excluding a quick fix for that pesky 911 issue. We've known both phones would receive one last security update before being sent to a farm upstate sometime in Q1 2022. Even though it wasn't mentioned in the February patch notes, it turns out today's the day.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro get their first on-time update with Google's February patch
Now available for Pixel 3a and newer
We're only a week into February, but we've already seen this month's patch hit a handful of Samsung phones. If you're rocking a Pixel, there's no need to feel left out any longer. Google's ready to join the party with a new update for its current devices, including, most notably, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Google's supersized December update for Pixel phones includes a ton of fixes for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
But you'll have to wait a little while longer to install it
On the heels of a Pixel Feature Drop, Google is also bringing a long line of changes to its lineup of phones. In addition to the December 2021 security patch, this month's update includes more than 100 fixes and tweaks to devices — most notably, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. If you've been having problems with your latest flagship smartphone, Google might be here to save the day.
Google Pixels may not have Android 12 yet, but they just got their October update
And no functional patch notes for the second month in a row
Today isn't Android 12 day, sadly, but Google did just push out its anticipated October updates for the Pixel series, including the new Pixel 5a. Unfortunately for us, it looks like Google has decided to drop the functional patch notes again this month, so we can't tell you what changed or if any specific bugs have been fixed with this release. The OTA should be rolling out soon, promising the latest security patches for the Pixel 3 series, Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, Pixel 4a series, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a.
The Pixel September security update is here, including the first round for the Pixel 5a
A few critical security patches, but nothing user-facing
It's that time again, every* Pixel owner's favorite day of the month: security patch day! Updates for the Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5a 5G, and the Pixel 5 should all be heading out via over-the-air update over the next few days. And since there's a (sort of) new Pixel on the block, let's all welcome the Pixel 5a to its first monthly security patch.
Germany wants to extend your smartphone's lifespan with seven years of security patches
One less reason to replace your phone, but it could just be politics at play
When it comes to smartphones, we all wish updates arrived faster and for more extended periods of time. As performance continues to improve with each passing year, upgrading to a new phone every two or three years can start to feel like an unnecessary expense. It's also an environmental concern, as many try to reduce waste created from constantly replacing gadgets. To that end, the German government has proposed a new policy that would extend the lifespan — and repairability — of your device for years to come.
Samsung phones already protected against modem vulnerability that lets hackers listen to your calls
The Qualcomm issue affects an estimated 40% of Android phones
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Google and other Android manufacturers try to keep on top of the hardware and software security, at varying degrees of intensity. But a vulnerability in widely-used Qualcomm SoCs disclosed by Check Point Research today was particularly alarming. It could theoretically allow a malicious app to patch the software for Qualcomm's MSM modem chips, giving it access to call and text history or even the ability to record conversations. Thankfully, most Samsung phones have already received a patch fixing the problem, and the rest is in for an update next month.
OnePlus 7, 7 Pro, 7T, and 7T Pro get March security patch in OxygenOS 11.0.0.2
Other bug fixes are included in the quick update
Late last month OnePlus updated its most recent phones to OxygenOS 11, based on Android 11. As is common with major updates, a few bugs were found. According to its active user forum, OnePlus is now rolling out the 11.0.0.2 hotfix for the OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T, and OnePlus 7T Pro, along with a security update.