In a quiet move, tech giant Google has initiated a limited rollout of an additional system update for its Pixel smartphones this December. This comes just weeks after the broader Android 16 QPR2 release and the regular December Pixel Drop. Unlike typical feature-packed updates, this one is small and targeted, suggesting its purpose is to squash specific bugs rather than introduce new functionalities.
Pixel Users Report Unexpected OTA Update
Reports of this stealthy update first emerged on community forums like Reddit. Users owning the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series mentioned receiving an unexpected over-the-air (OTA) update even after installing the main December security patch. The update's file size is notably small, around 25MB, reinforcing its nature as a focused hotfix.
While most sightings have been from the United States, a few users in the United Kingdom have also confirmed getting the update. The rollout is not universal, and many Pixel owners globally have not yet seen it appear on their devices.
What Does The Update Fix? Verizon Provides Clues
Google has not officially announced this update or published a changelog. Its official firmware download pages still only list the original December release, creating uncertainty about its full availability and supported models. It remains unclear if older devices like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series will receive this patch.
However, some clarity has come from US carrier Verizon. For Pixel 8 through Pixel 10 models, identified with build number BP4A.251205.006.E1, the update reportedly addresses several key issues:
- Faster than normal battery drain.
- Intermittent touch responsiveness problems on the Pixel 10.
- Issues accessing locally cached content, such as offline media or maps, after a direct upgrade from Android 14 (or earlier) to Android 16.
A Busy Month for Pixel Owners Concludes
This extra update caps off an already active December for the Pixel community, following the December Pixel Drop and the standard monthly security release. While it doesn't bring new features, it focuses on resolving critical, specific problems for a subset of users. For now, Google has not confirmed if the rollout will expand to more regions or older device models.
Key takeaways from this development are clear: Google is prioritizing targeted bug fixes, the update tackles user-reported issues like battery drain and touch problems, and its limited scope has left many wondering about their device's eligibility.
