Google Pixel Phones Getting September Android Security Update: Details

Google has started rolling out September Android security update for compatible Pixel phones. This includes the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5a models. The tech giant says that the update will roll out over-the-air (OTA). It will roll out in phases, depending on carrier and handset. This means it may take weeks before all units receive the September Android update. All compatible Pixel phone users will receive a notification once the update becomes available.

Google made the September Android security update announcement via a support page. The firmware build number is RQ3A.210905.001 for global Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 units. The firmware version for Pixel 5a in North America is RD2A.210905.002 and RD2A.210905.003 for the Pixel 5a in Japan.

There are 17 issues that have been resolved with the latest September security patch dated September 1 and 23 issues have been resolved with the patch dated September 5. The flaws range from critical to moderate. The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in the Framework component that could enable a remote attacker using a specially crafted file to cause a permanent denial of service.

Google has also published factory images and OTA images of the latest update for users to sideload manually. You can check for the update manually by heading to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.

The Mountain View company is reportedly gearing up to launch its next-gen Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones on September 13. The phones were unveiled a while ago and they are confirmed to be powered by Google’s own SoC called Tensor. These phones will also have a unique camera module that runs across the width of the back panel. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are reported to integrate larger sensors than the predecessors.