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Google Pixels are getting the September security update, but Android 14 remains missing
Android 13 gets one last hurrah on Pixel phones
When Google launched its Android 14 beta program back in February, we figured the new version would be sent out to ordinary users sometime in August — after all, Android 13 officially debuted on August 15, 2022. And when August came and went, we were all but certain the new OS would be ready in September — that is, until we heard rumors it would be delayed until the first week of October. Now, those rumors are all but confirmed, as Google's September monthly security update is here, and it's still based on Android 13.
Google delivers the April patch to Pixel phones after a week-long delay
Check out what the Easter Bunny brought to Pixel owners
For two months in a row, Google's monthly security patch for Pixels has arrived late. This software usually drops on the first Monday of every month, but with how poor the company's track record has been recently — even making Pixel 6 users wait an additional week on top of the delay — it no longer feels like a sure bet. After a week-long delay, Google is rolling out the April 2023 patch to supported Pixel devices — that is, Pixel 4a and later — but it's the continuation of a worrying trend for the company's hardware.
Samsung's September 2022 security update rolling out internationally for the Galaxy S10 5G
The S10 5G is fashionably late
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Samsung has taken its software update game from strength to strength in recent months, whether we're getting One UI 4.1.1 for the Galaxy S22 series, or seeing the One UI 5 release inching closer as beta testing continues. We're used to getting the latest security patches on at least a few Galaxy phones a couple days ahead of the new rolling around — but September arrived without any updates to show for it. Well, we may be a week behind schedule, but Samsung’s September security update is finally now rolling out to devices starting with the Galaxy S21.
Google rolls out the June security patch for the Pixel 4 and newer phones
With plenty of bug fixes and optimizations for your device
June is a big month for Pixel owners — at least, as long as your device is still supported. While this update marks the first time Pixel 3a and 3a XL owners will have to miss out, it also means a brand new Feature Drop is on its way to the Pixel 4 and newer phones. It might be a little less fun than all sorts of new apps and tools to play with, but June's security patch is also part of today's update, bringing all sorts of changes along with it.
Samsung's April 2022 security update is now available for the unlocked Galaxy S20 in the US
It's also available for several other phones and tablets
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At the end of March, the April 2022 security update started rolling out to Samsung Galaxy devices in international markets. So far, Galaxy S22 Ultra owners in Asia and Europe have reported seeing the update. Now Samsung's extending availability to US users, with the new update hitting devices in the States, including the whole Galaxy S21 5G series.
Samsung’s March 2022 security update is reaching more Galaxy devices in the US
Now available for the Verizon Galaxy S10
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It's become customary for Samsung to send out security updates to its devices before the month starts. Its March release was no different, and started rolling out a few days before the end of February. So far, the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, the Galaxy S10 Lite, the entire Galaxy S9 series, and the Galaxy A52 have all seen the update — at least in international markets. Now Samsung's extending availability to users in the US, as the new update starts hitting devices in the States beginning with the Galaxy S21.
Pixel 6 February update could arrive right on schedule
It's about time Google's latest flagships got back on track
The Pixel 6 was and is still a favorite amongst the Android Police crew and beyond, but there's no denying that the devices have suffered from a buggy launch and botched software updates. The December update went live after much delay, only to break certain features on the devices before being withdrawn. The January update was not much different (in timeline, at least), with the likes of the Pixel 3a through to the Pixel 5a getting the update well before the newer Pixel 6 series. However, the latest reports indicate that the Pixel 6 OTA schedule might be back on track, starting with the February security patch.
Samsung ships October 2021 security patch to more international models, Z Flip3 gets pet portrait mode
The update is also available for the Galaxy S10 lite and several A series phones
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It didn't take Samsung much time at all to start bringing a fresh security update to some of its phones. The company began with a handful of devices internationally, including the Galaxy S21 series, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3, and it's continued to come to more phones over the last few weeks.
Samsung's July 2021 update is coming to the Galaxy S20 on Verizon
The update is also available for the Verizon Z Fold2 and S10 Lite
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By this point, we know pretty well what to expect from Samsung when it comes to monthly security updates. Usually some international market will get the next month's release a little early, still in the waning days of the previous month — exactly like we just saw happen for the July release right at the end of June. And then if we're very good and patient, a few days later we start seeing the first releases start to appear for US carriers — just like what's happening right now.
February's security patch began rolling out yesterday, and whether you grabbed it by checking for an OTA update or by downloading the file straight from Google and applying it, you may (or may not, really) notice one tiny change. The About phone section of settings is jumping up to become a top-level item.
Essential's January update to the PH-1 was a bit delayed compared to the company's usual standards. Instead of the typical near-simultaneous release, we had to wait just over an hour for the Essential Phone to get this months' patches. For fans of the house of Rubin, that's nearly an eternity.