TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Pixel 9 handsets could miss this key software upgrade on day oneThis last-minute revelation would be a surprising omission for Pixel 9When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Pixel 9 handsets could miss this key software upgrade on day oneThis last-minute revelation would be a surprising omission for Pixel 9When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
This last-minute revelation would be a surprising omission for Pixel 9
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: 91mobiles)
(Image credit: 91mobiles)
Quick SummaryThe Google Pixel 9 family of devices is expected to launch on 13 August, but they might launch on Android 14.It looks like the earlier launch of the phones has not given Google enough time to finish the development of Android 15.
The Google Pixel 9 family of devices is expected to launch on 13 August, but they might launch on Android 14.It looks like the earlier launch of the phones has not given Google enough time to finish the development of Android 15.
The Google Pixel 9 family of devices is expected to launch on 13 August, but they might launch on Android 14.It looks like the earlier launch of the phones has not given Google enough time to finish the development of Android 15.
The Google Pixel 9 family of devices is expected to launch on 13 August, but they might launch on Android 14.
It looks like the earlier launch of the phones has not given Google enough time to finish the development of Android 15.
Android15 has been in development for some time, with the final beta out in the wild and plenty of anticipation about what this software will offer. While it’s not going to deliver many feature changes, the new software will continue to tighten up on security and efficiency. But the Pixel 9 might not launch with Android 15.
According to the details fromAndroid Headlines, the Pixel 9 devices – that’s the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold – might launch on Android 14 instead.
That would be out of character for Google, with previous new hardware launching with the latest software. When the Pixel 8 launched, Android 14 was already available and according to the schedule for Android 15’s availability, it should be happening around the same time as the launch of the new phones.
The source gives no reason for this quirk of software omission, so it’s difficult to judge exactly what might have happened here. Either this was Google’s plan all along, or there’s been a last minute delay that’s thrown a spanner in the works.
What are the potential implications of launching on Android 14?
When Google launches its new Pixel devices, many of the headline features aren’t dependent on the version of Android that the phone runs. So it’s likely that the Pixel 9 will launch with the new features it’s expected to offer, such as the cleverAdd Me featurefor the camera and thecall transcription feature.
Google will also promise 7 years of software updates for the phones, so it’s not as though those buying the Pixel 9 devices are going to run out of support. Sure, in 2031 there might be someone who snorts with derision, but it’s unlikely to make any difference.
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But there will be an impact on public perception here. Can you imagineApplelaunching a newiPhoneon old software? It doesn’t happen. Apple announces the new model, tells you when you can buy it and makes the new software available. It’s all very slick – and it looks like the Google launch won’t be quite as much.
What’s happened here is that the date of the Pixel launch has come forward a couple of months. Originally, thePixel Foldlaunched in August 2023, butthe Pixel 8devices were then announced in October 2023. For 2024 and the Pixel 9, the timeline is squeezed with all devices expected in August instead.
It just looks like the software hasn’t kept up with the programme.
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