Newsletter
Google has begun rolling out new April updates for its Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro phones. These updates, currently available as new Android 14 QPR2 builds, offer the April 2024 security patch and features from the Developer Preview.
While these updates are not yet available over the air (OTA) for everyday users, developers can download the factory images and flash them onto their devices. Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro (Review) are receiving the build number AP1A.240405.002.B1 while the Pixel Fold was listed as AP1A.240405.002.A2.
What is in the new April update and why you might want to wait
Google hasn’t announced the official OTA update date for the Android 14 QPR2 with the April patch. But factory images suggest it’s close. Google rolls out updates in stages, so some users might get it within days, while others wait a few weeks. You can check for the update manually in Settings > System > System update.
The update is expected to include the April security patch, potential bug fixes, and performance improvements. Pixel users might also see minor UI tweaks and optimizations. However, these are developer builds, meaning features and functionalities might be unstable or even missing compared to the final version.
No major update until June
The next major update, Android 14 QPR3, isn’t expected until June. So, Pixel users can expect a more minor update next month, likely focused on security and stability improvements.
For those eager to jump straight to Android 15, the Beta 1 is available. However, it currently lacks Near Field Communication (NFC) for contactless payments like Google Pay. This makes the Android 15 Beta less ideal for daily use until Google fixes this.
Google’s rollout of the Android 14 QPR2 update builds lets developers tinker with upcoming features and security patches. But for most Pixel users, waiting for the official OTA update with stable Android 14 builds remains the safest and most practical option.