Google October update could be the last for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
Last month, it emerged that Google had dropped the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL from the Android 13 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1). Having entered beta last month, QPR1 should reach stable status later this year, although it is unclear when yet. While Google is testing new features in QPR1 Beta 1, it has started rolling out the October update for Pixel smartphones, which bundles new security patch updates.
Also onboard is a raft of bug fixes. According to Google's support document, the October update focuses on addressing audio, connectivity, UI and Wi-Fi issues. As far as we can tell, all but the first bug fix apply across eligible Pixel smartphones, with the Pixel 6 series exempt here. The full changelog is as follows:
- Audio
- Fix for issue occasionally causing audible humming or noise artifacts during calls while using wired headsets
- Fix for issue preventing device volume controls in media player notification to work under certain conditions
- Connectivity
- Fix for issue causing launcher crash when connecting to VPN in certain conditions
- User Interface
- Fix for issue causing compatibility issues with certain app widgets in Android 13
- Fix for issue causing media player to display default icon for certain media apps
- Fix for issue occasionally causing device crash when playing audio from local storage
- Fix for issue occasionally causing empty Quick Settings tiles to display in notification shade
- Fix for issue occasionally causing Work Profile toggle button to appear truncated in app drawer
- Wi-Fi
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing available Wi-Fi networks from displaying in network selection menu in certain apps
Unfortunately for Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL owners, this month's update may also be the last for their former flagships. Typically, Google releases a final update to its devices, as was the case with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. However, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are only guaranteed updates of any kind until the end of the month. Hence, the pair may forever be on TP1A.221005.002, for better or worse. Thankfully, Google will still roll out app and some system updates through the Play Store, at least until Android 13 support ceases.
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