Google Pushed a Second December Pixel Update — and Users Don’t Know Why
Users on Reddit first spotted the update, and it was later confirmed as a “small, surprise update.”
December is turning into a stressful month for smartphone security. Just as Pixel users thought the dust had settled after Google’s early-December emergency update for spyware-related flaws, another update has quietly appeared.
The update was first spotted by users on Reddit and later confirmed by Android Authority, which described it as a “small, surprise update” that Google hasn’t publicly explained. At around 25MB, the size strongly suggests a targeted hotfix rather than a full system update.
For everyday Pixel users, that raises an immediate question: what exactly is Google fixing — and should you be worried?
Which Pixel Phones Are Getting the Update?
So far, the update has appeared on the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series. Android Authority confirmed it on a Pixel 10 Pro, while other users report receiving it even after already installing the main December security patch.
That pattern usually points to a problem discovered after rollout, the kind Google doesn’t want to leave unpatched until January.
What remains unclear is whether older models like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 will receive the same fix, or whether the issue is limited to newer hardware.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
Why This Update Feels Unusual
What stands out isn’t just the speed. It’s the silence.
Google hasn’t:
- Published a changelog
- Updated its factory image or OTA download pages
- Publicly acknowledged the update
As of now, Google’s official Pixel update pages still list only the original December firmware.
For users, that creates uncertainty. Is this a minor bug fix? A carrier-specific issue? Or another security flaw Google isn’t ready to discuss yet?
Limited Rollout Signals Caution
Reports suggest the update is currently rolling out in the United States and the United Kingdom, possibly tied to specific carriers or configurations.
That kind of selective release usually signals cautious testing, especially when a fix addresses a narrow but potentially serious issue. It’s a common approach when companies want to reduce risk before expanding a patch globally.
The Bigger Issue: Android’s Update Gap
From a security perspective, Google’s quick response is reassuring. Pushing a second update so soon suggests Pixel users are getting priority protection, particularly against spyware.
But it also highlights a familiar problem across Android.
While Pixel users are already seeing a second December patch, many Samsung and other Android devices haven’t even received the first one yet. That staggered rollout reinforces concerns about how long critical fixes take to reach most Android users — especially those outside Google’s own hardware ecosystem.
For consumers, this gap matters. Security issues don’t wait for brand-specific timelines.
How to Check for the Update
If you’re using a Pixel and want to check whether the update is available:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Select Software update
If it doesn’t appear, it may simply not be available for your device, carrier, or region yet.
What Pixel Users Should Do Now
December’s update cycle has already been busy thanks to the Pixel Drop and monthly security patches. This extra OTA suggests Google is still cleaning up post-release issues — and possibly responding to something it doesn’t want to publicly detail yet.
If the update appears on your phone, install it. Silent patches are rarely cosmetic. They’re usually about fixing something Google would rather not leave exposed.
If this is a critical fix, it’s likely to expand to more devices soon. Until then, Pixel users seeing that second update should treat it as important — even if Google hasn’t said why.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
