Google’s Latest Pixel Update is Now Available for Download

One of the best things about owning a Google Pixel phone is that you can get monthly software updates which occasionally add new features to your device, as well as regular security fixes. As such, Google’s latest August 2023 software patch is now available for download, and it features some much-needed fixes, particularly for Google’s newer and larger-screened devices. As per the announcement on Google’s official support page:

We have provided the monthly software update for August 2023. All supported Pixel devices running Android 13 will receive these software updates starting today. The rollout will continue over the next week in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification once the OTA is available for their device. We encourage you to check your Android version and update to receive the latest software. 

So what can you expect from Google’s latest software update? Let’s take a look below.

August 2023 Pixel Update

In terms of availability, the August 2023 update will be compatible with several Pixel models, including the Pixel 4a, 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, as well as the latest additions to the Pixel hardware family, the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold. Google typically releases software updates during the first week of every month, although there are times when they arrive a bit later than usual.

The new update will bring overall fixes for stability as well as security, although Google does mention some big improvements to other features, a majority of which are exclusive for the Fold and Tablet, due to their large-screened nature. For one, the update comes with a fix for both devices, which causes Bluetooth keyboards to refrain from connecting to the devices.

Updates to the user interface are also included for the Google Pixel Fold, which has had trouble displaying certain Live Wallpapers when switching between different screen orientations. Additionally, the August 2023 update for the Pixel Fold also addressed an issue where users have trouble getting their lock screen to respond, as well as a problem where the home screen launcher’s search input fails to register.

For the Pixel Tablet, the update addresses an issue which causes occasional flickering and glitches when the device is used in Hub Mode, the latter of which is one of the biggest selling points of the Pixel Tablet (you can find out more about the tablet here).

How do I Download the Update?

If you own a Google Pixel device, you can easily check for updates in your Settings app. Open the “Settings” App, head into “System”, followed by “System update”, and then “Check for Update”. This should then prompt your phone to scan for any available software patches, and it will automatically download and install them to your phone.

With that being said however, there are some times when Pixel phones in certain regions and markets (or under select carriers and networks) might get the update a bit later than usual, in which case we’d advise to keep an eye out for announcements from your respective carrier.

Users can find out more specifics about Google’s August 2023 Pixel update via the Android Security Bulletin which goes into further detail regarding the update, and which can be accessed via the following link: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin