Pixel 9 Series Phones Have Been Announced But Where Is Android 15?
Last Updated:
Pixel 9 series has launched in India but there is no sign of Android 15 yet
Android 15 should ideally come with the new Pixel phones from Google but the early launch date might have forced the brand to change its plans
Google Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 fold have launched in the market this week and there is a lot of excitement around the new AI features powered by Gemini Nano. The devices feature a brighter screen, flatter design, and upgraded cameras. But the one major change this year with the new Pixel 9 series comes in the form of the Android version that you get at launch.
Android 14 With Pixel 9 Series At Launch But Why
We had come across reports that Google’s Pixel 9 phones will get the older Android 14 version out of the box. And those rumours were officially confirmed on Tuesday at the Made by Google event. Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, the 9 Pro XL and even the 9 Pro Fold will be available with Android 14 out of the box when the devices go on sale over the next few weeks.
Google has a clear schedule for its new Android versions and every year we see that pan out in time for the new Pixel phones to be announced in October. However, this year’s plan has been rejigged for some reason, which is why the Pixel 9 series has launched two months in advance and that has played against its usual Android roll out cycle.
If Google was planning for an August launch for the Pixel 9 series, it ideally should have prepared the Android 15 beta schedule for an earlier release which would have helped the company go about its usual release timeline. The company will now have to push an over-the-air (OTA) update to offer Android 15 version to the new flagship phones at the earliest.
Google’s 7-Year OS Promise
The other important aspect with this change is that Google will have to make sure that its claimed 7 years of OS support is not denied to these consumers, and it ensures that one more OS update is offered rather than counting Android 15 in the update schedule for the Pixel 9 series.
Getting an year old Android version with the new phones doesn’t throw a positive light on Google’s flagship ambitions. Having said that, we have seen Apple launch the new iPhones while the iOS version rolls out at a later date.
You could say there is no comparison between these two companies in the smartphone arena, but the point of view cannot be ignored even for the basic aspects.
