Android
June Pixel Android 9 Pie Update: What to Know
A brand new Pixel Android 9 Pie update for June is now available that will deliver some important changes and fixes for the Pixel 3a, Pixel 3 XL, and more. Here’s what owners need to know, what’s changing and how to get the update right now.
Each month Google releases new software to improve security, patch exploits, increase performance and fix any lingering issues. They’re mainly about software, but also have some fixes for Pixel-specific devices like the new Pixel 3a. You’ll want to get this update regardless of which Pixel device you own.
Basically, your Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and Pixel 3a will get a new update this week with the latest and greatest Android 9 Pie software.
Supported Devices
- Pixel and Pixel XL (all Android 9)
- Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
- Pixel C Tablet (Still getting Oreo updates)
June Android Pie Update for Pixel Devices
This new software is available as of Monday, June 3rd, as each update usually arrives on the first Monday of the month. You can get it right this moment. Expect an over-the-air update notification today, tomorrow, or you can manually check in settings.
Google shared more info about the changes on the Android security bulletin, and device-specific info at the Pixel security bulletin page. Overall we’re seeing 20+ patches to keep security tight on Android.
It looks like this June update delivers the first round of improvements and bug fixes for the Pixel 3a, then this should have a fix for the regular Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL regarding performance and battery life. Notably, the fix Google said was not the Digital Wellbeing app, but something else. Essentially, you’ll want to accept this software for the best experience on your phone.
Furthermore, this update addresses several small problems or issues, like Bluetooth, Ok, Google hotword detection, freezing issues, camera problems, and patched some weird glitch in Netflix. It’s worth noting that Google doesn’t specifically state there’s a fix for battery drain, but last month we were told they found a problem that would get patched in June. So expect an improvement in that area.
Download the June Pixel Android Pie Update
If you’d like to get this newest version of Android for your Pixel device now, instead of waiting, you can download or flash it from the links below. That said, we’re already seeing the update hit most devices, so we recommend waiting for the OTA instead of manually downloading the files.
- Download Factory Images
- Grab OTA Update Files
When Will I Get the Update?
Typically Google announces the update, releases the files, then starts sending over-the-air update notifications within an hour or two. My regular Pixel 3 and bigger Pixel 2 XL already received the June update. Expect it’s arrival within the next 24-48 hours. At most, you could be waiting until the end of the week, but that’s doubtful.
If you don’t want to wait you can go to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Updates to get it immediately. This pulls the update from Google’s servers to your phone. The entire process should take less than 10 minutes. From downloading to installing and rebooting your Pixel on Android Pie. And yes, the check for updates button actually works now.
More Details & What’s Next for the Pixel
Between all the improvements in April, May and now June for the Pixel 3 XL regarding the camera, lag, Bluetooth and more, the Pixel 3 XL running Android 9 Pie should be pretty stable right now. It’s nice that we saw a few more changes to address the camera, reboots, freezing or lag. Some of those bug fixe mentioned above are probably for the Pixel 3a more so than the older regular Pixel 3, so keep that in mind.
Then, you can expect Android Q in the near future to start this process over again. Google offered the first Android Q (or Android 10) beta in March, then another in April and May. For those interested, here are more details about Android Q.
Remember, this June update is only for the Google Pixel family of devices. Other phones are waiting for updates from the manufacturer, like Samsung. If you have a phone from Samsung, LG, Motorola, and more this doesn’t apply to you. Those devices are still slowly getting the Android 9 Pie updates and receive their own security and bug fixing updates every few months.
In closing, get the latest June Android 9 Pie for your Pixel 1, 2, or Pixel 3 and let us know if it fixes your problems. If not, try the Android Q beta and stay tuned for more details in the near future and the upcoming Pixel 4.
