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Google Pixel 6 and 7 Series Owners Face Uncertainty as August Security Update Skips Their Devices

Google has begun rolling out its August security patches for its line of smartphones. However, this time, several officially supported models were conspicuously absent from the list of recipients. Owners of Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series devices have reason to be concerned, particularly as this latest update is crucial for addressing a significant security vulnerability.

Unexpected Omission: Google Skips Several Supported Pixel Models

The August update for Google smartphones was released on August 4th, but the list of compatible devices immediately caught users’ attention. Google listed 13 models, with the Pixel 8 series being the oldest devices to receive the update. This means that the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a did not receive the latest patch.

Interestingly, this does not appear to be an intentional end-of-support decision. Google’s official documentation still indicates that these listed phones should continue to receive system and security updates. Furthermore, the company has not moved them into the category of devices for which support has officially ended. The situation is even more perplexing considering that all the omitted models are capable of running Android 17, thereby meeting Google’s own criteria mentioned in the description of the August release.

The Gravity of the Situation: Addressing Critical Vulnerabilities

The absence of these devices from the August patch rollout is particularly worrying because the update typically includes fixes for critical security flaws. When devices miss these essential updates, they remain vulnerable to potential exploits, compromising user data and device integrity.

Will Google Release the Delayed Security Package?

It’s important to note that Google does not explicitly state that every Pixel device must receive new firmware precisely once a month. The company emphasizes that device security during the support period can also be maintained through Google Play system updates and patches published as part of the Android Security Bulletin. However, this doesn’t fully address the issue, as some specific fixes tailored for Pixel devices cannot be delivered via these alternative methods. Therefore, direct firmware updates remain vital for comprehensive security.

For now, owners of older Pixel models have limited options. It’s advisable to check both system updates and the status of Google Play system updates regularly. Users should continue to monitor for any official announcements from Google regarding a potential release of the delayed package. There’s still considerable time left on the support timelines for these devices:

• Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are expected to receive updates until October 2026.
• Pixel 6a support extends until July 2027.
• The Pixel 7 series is slated for updates until October 2027.
• The Pixel 7a boasts support until May 2028.

Naturally, these are theoretical timelines, and situations like the current one can cause concern among users. For more information on system updates and potential issues, you might find this article useful: Google Pixel March Update Display Issues

Source: Notebookcheck, Original Research
Opening photo: Gabo_Arts / Shutterstock

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Anuj Kushwaha

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