Pixel 3a, 3a XL won't be enrolled in Android Q beta program till next month

One of the selling points of Google’s Pixel devices is that they run stock Android. This usually means that they are among the very first devices to get the latest features as well as access to Google’s Android beta programs. However, both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL were notable absentees from the list of eligible devices for the new public beta of Google’s next-generation Android Q OS.

Google has now added a small note to the FAQs page on the Android beta program website indicating that both devices will be eligible for the beta program next month. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL shipped with the older March 5 security patch which is quite likely the reason that haven’t immediately been enrolled in the program. Google’s premium Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL both have the more recent May 5 patch. The arrival of the June patch on the Pixel 3a and 3a XL will put all Google’s Pixels on the same footing.

Google is currently at the third release of its Android beta and should be ready to release the fourth version in time for the Pixel 3a models to get their first taste of Android Q. Like any beta program, only the most devoted fans or developers should be testing out the OS on a device that isn’t being used as a daily driver. Android Q, of course, brings a raft of new features including accelerated AI technology and enhanced user privacy and security features among many other highlights.