Google appears to be set to release Android 14 on the same day as the Pixel 8 launch event. According to Canadian carrier Telus, the update known as “Android U” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4 and will be available for various Pixel devices, including the Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 4a. However, it should be noted that the release dates are approximate and subject to change. The Pixel 4a, in particular, will not receive the Android 14 update as it is no longer eligible for OS updates.
This simultaneous release of new phones and software by Google follows a similar pattern from two years ago when Android 12 was launched alongside the Pixel 6. Although Android 14 is not expected to bring major changes or a Material You overhaul like its predecessor, the coinciding release allows current Pixel owners to immediately experience the new software. Google has already conducted several previews and beta versions of Android 14 before beginning testing for the next Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1) in order to meet a December launch target.
Sources:
– https://forum.telus.com/t5/Mobility/Software-Update-Schedule/ta-p/127707/redirect_from_archived_page/true
– https://9to5google.com/2023/09/06/android-14-beta-5-3-pixel/
– https://9to5google.com/2023/09/20/android-14-qpr1-beta-1-pixel/
3 paragraph expansion:
Google is set to launch Android 14 alongside its Pixel 8 smartphones, following a similar pattern to the release of Android 12 alongside the Pixel 6. Telus, a Canadian carrier, has revealed that the update, referred to as “Android U,” is scheduled for October 4. Several Pixel devices, including the Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G), and Pixel 4a, are expected to receive the Android 14 update. However, it’s important to note that the release dates mentioned are approximate and subject to change. Notably, the Pixel 4a is no longer eligible for OS updates and will not receive Android 14.
While Android 14 may not introduce significant changes or a Material You overhaul like its predecessor, Google’s decision to release new phones and software simultaneously allows current Pixel owners to immediately enjoy the latest software experience. The company has already conducted various previews and beta versions of Android 14, with the most recent being Android 14 Beta 5.3 on September 6. In preparation for a December launch, Google has now started testing Android 14 QPR1, the next Quarterly Platform Release.
It is worth mentioning that Google’s simultaneous release of new phones and software can be overwhelming from a news perspective. However, this strategy provides existing Pixel owners with the opportunity to quickly experience the latest software updates. As Android 14’s stable release is still pending, Google is already gearing up for testing the next Quarterly Platform Release to ensure a timely December launch.