Quick Summary
The Google Pixel 9 family of devices is expected to launch on 13 August, but they might launch on Android 14.
It looks like the earlier launch of the phones has not given Google enough time to finish the development of Android 15.
Google is preparing to announce its latest flagship devices, with the Made by Google event scheduled for 13 August, and plenty of leaks pointing to four different Pixel 9 devices. But new information suggests that Google might not deliver one of the expected software elements on launch day.
Android 15 has been in development for some time, with the final beta out in the wild and plenty of anticipation about what this software will offer. While it's not going to deliver many feature changes, the new software will continue to tighten up on security and efficiency. But the Pixel 9 might not launch with Android 15.
According to the details from Android Headlines, the Pixel 9 devices – that's the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold – might launch on Android 14 instead.
That would be out of character for Google, with previous new hardware launching with the latest software. When the Pixel 8 launched, Android 14 was already available and according to the schedule for Android 15's availability, it should be happening around the same time as the launch of the new phones.
The source gives no reason for this quirk of software omission, so it's difficult to judge exactly what might have happened here. Either this was Google's plan all along, or there's been a last minute delay that's thrown a spanner in the works.
What are the potential implications of launching on Android 14?
When Google launches its new Pixel devices, many of the headline features aren't dependent on the version of Android that the phone runs. So it's likely that the Pixel 9 will launch with the new features it's expected to offer, such as the clever Add Me feature for the camera and the call transcription feature.
Google will also promise 7 years of software updates for the phones, so it's not as though those buying the Pixel 9 devices are going to run out of support. Sure, in 2031 there might be someone who snorts with derision, but it's unlikely to make any difference.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
But there will be an impact on public perception here. Can you imagine Apple launching a new iPhone on old software? It doesn't happen. Apple announces the new model, tells you when you can buy it and makes the new software available. It's all very slick – and it looks like the Google launch won't be quite as much.
What's happened here is that the date of the Pixel launch has come forward a couple of months. Originally, the Pixel Fold launched in August 2023, but the Pixel 8 devices were then announced in October 2023. For 2024 and the Pixel 9, the timeline is squeezed with all devices expected in August instead.
It just looks like the software hasn't kept up with the programme.
Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.
-
Your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel Fold just got a neat new trick
Translating conversations just got better
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Google Pixel 9 review: the small Pixel delivers a big experience
The Google Pixel 9 offers power and performance in a more compact package
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Maps gets another neat design update and we like it
The makeover continues
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Android 15 will take even longer to roll out to your phone than hoped
But at least we now have a date for the Android 15 update
By Chris Hall Published
-
Leaked Pixel 9a images show an interesting alternative to that camera bump
Is this our first look at the forthcoming Pixel 9a?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Chrome gets a huge free update that adds one of 2024's hottest new features
It's a lot more fun than traditional Googling
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy phones are getting a great free software upgrade from the Google Pixel 9
This is a nifty feature
By Sam Cross Published
-
5 cool things you may have missed from the Google Pixel 9 launch event
There was so much to pack in!
By Sam Cross Published