When Google released the Pixel 9 series of smartphones earlier this month, it disrupted the usual hardware and software update schedule. Google’s latest Pixel flagships have historically launched in October, so they already come pre-installed with the latest version of Android. But the Pixel 9 launch came so early that the new phones will ship with Android 14 instead of the still-in-progress Android 15 update.
As it turns out, the Pixel 9 — and other older Pixels — may have been running Android 14 for longer than anyone thought. A report from Android Authority claims that Android 15 isn’t even ready yet and may not launch in September, either.
This would seemingly put Android 15 behind the schedule Google has for its next major software release. Google’s schedule doesn’t give a specific date, but it looks like work on the update should be completed before the end of the third quarter in late September.
A source told Android Authority that stability is the culprit, as the team working on Android 15 wants to make the software more stable before releasing it. That could mean a mid-October launch of Android 15.
Interestingly, the source code for Android 15 is expected to be ready in September, and normally that would mean an over-the-air update for Pixel phones as well. However, Google no longer guarantees simultaneous releases because Pixel phones are also used as reference devices for other Android phone makers, and they need the most stable handsets possible for testing.
It’s unclear if this has anything to do with a restructuring at Google announced last spring. In April, Google merged the Android and Pixel teams to speed up AI integration.
Whenever the update arrives, it should be available on newer Pixel devices and return to the Pixel 6 series. The Android 15 beta 4 has been available since late July and can be accessed now if you’re curious about changes like partial screen sharing, improved accessibility features, and the return of lock screen widgets.
