**Google, What Have I Ever Done to You?**
For the second consecutive time this month, Google has released an update for its Pixel handsets—an update that is *not* being made available to the Pixel 6 series. That means, once again, my Pixel 6 Pro is missing out on the performance and other improvements being offered to Pixel 7 and later models.
A bit more than three weeks ago, Google pushed out the October security update to a wide range of devices including the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
This week, Google released a second monthly update for Pixel phones—*but only* for the Pixel 7 through Pixel 10 lines. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series were once again left out.
Google has yet to mention this second update anywhere officially. However, Verizon, the nation’s largest carrier, has revealed some details. According to Verizon, this second October update “provides performance improvements for your device.”
As a Pixel 6 Pro owner, I’m thrilled that my phone will still be receiving Android 17—when by all means it should have already been relegated to a drawer according to the original timeline. But Google, those of us with Pixel 6 series devices are more than ready to receive performance improvements too.
Is Google planning to leave the Android 16 QPR Beta program? Let us know your thoughts:
– Yes. Enough is enough.
– No. There is no reason to do so.
*Current poll status: 0% Yes, 0% No.*
It’s possible that the difference between the first-generation Tensor application processor (AP), used on the Pixel 6 line, and the subsequent Tensor chips in newer devices makes it technically challenging or impossible to push this second update to Pixel 6 users.
Still, Google, we Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users were the first to embrace your new vision for the Pixel line. We have also had to put up with issues like a problematic modem and fingerprint sensor—both of which have seen improvements in subsequent updates.
To check for the update, head to **Settings > System > Software update** on your Pixel. The update is relatively small—around 30MB. Since Google hasn’t posted any official information about this update, no new features or bug fixes can be confirmed yet.
The timing of this update is strange as well, considering it arrives on the last day of October and the November monthly update is just days away.
—
### Android 16 QPR2 Beta Update Includes Pixel 6 Series
Google also released another Pixel-related update this week, and this one *does* include the Pixel 6 line. The Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 is now available for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, along with many other Pixel devices including the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
This update is exclusively for those enrolled in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta program. The release focuses on enhancing device stability and is marked as version BP41.250916.012 for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a. For all other compatible devices, the version is BP41.250916.012.A1.
Android 16 QPR2 represents the December Pixel Feature Drop expected to roll out officially in December.
Once the stable version of Android 16 QPR2 is released, beta participants will be able to opt out of the Beta program without having to wipe their phones. However, it’s important to opt out before installing the next Beta update—Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1—to avoid any complications.
—
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, we’ll keep you posted on any new developments related to Pixel updates!
https://www.phonearena.com/news/two-pixel-updates-released-by-google-this-week_id175382
About the Author
