Expected roll out of Android 15

 Google to introduce Android 15 to Pixels phones in October 

Traditionally, Google has rolled out major Android updates for Pixel devices in tandem with the source code release. In an unusual move, Google is delaying the stable release of Android 15 for its Pixel phones, despite plans to release the Android 15 source code next week. According to a reports available, the update is expected to arrive sometime in October, marking a significant departure from Google's historical practice of simultaneous release. The Pixel 9 family launched a couple of weeks ago with Android 14 on board, and the company will only roll out Android 15 to its Pixels in October, perhaps around the middle of that month.

This is despite the fact that Google will allegedly release the source code for Android 15 next week. Traditionally, the day of the source code drop was also the day the rollout began for Pixels, but that's been changing recently, with the Pixel team regularly withholding updates until they're fully ready. Traditionally, Google has rolled out major Android updates for Pixel devices in tandem with the source code release. This aligned with the company's practice of treating Pixel phones as reference devices for Android developers, often used for testing and development of new Android versions.

However, this year's timeline has been disrupted by the early launch of the Pixel 9 series. Released two months earlier than usual, the Pixel 9 phones shipped with Android 14 as Android 15 was not yet finalised. This gives it more time to finalize marketing for Pixel Drops, test changes and sort out last-minute bugs. Last year, the Pixel release was delayed too compared to the initial timeline, and it seems like it's going to happen again, for the same reason.

While Pixel devices are consumer-oriented, their role as reference devices for developers has always been crucial. Testing and deploying updates is a complex process, and the Pixel team has shifted away from guaranteeing simultaneous release to prioritise stability and address potential bugs before public rollout. The sources claims that the Android 15 update for pixels is being withheld to improve its stability and refine the update before it reaches Pixel users. Hopefully there's enough time between now and mid-October to make that a reality.

Google has remained tight-lipped on the actual release date. However, the Android 15 QPR1 beta program has already begun, offering a glimpse into features expected in the December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop. The Android 15 stable update is expected to be available for a wide range of Pixel devices which includes:-

Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a

Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a

Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a

Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold

Pixel Tablet

Pixel Fold