Android 15 brings these fixes for Google Pixel devices

Google has started rolling out Android 15 to Pixel devices as part of the October 2024 update. While the new version introduces several exciting features, it also addresses a few bugs and stability issues that have plagued users in recent months. The rollout is being released in phases, so if you haven’t received the update yet, it should arrive soon based on your carrier and device model.

One big fix that comes with the update is for battery performance and charging stability. Google says it’s fixed a bug that caused some Pixel 6 units to reboot randomly. However, it’s not immediately clear if this refers to the bug where some Pixel phones were randomly turning on when charging. The update also introduces improvements in battery usage across devices like the Pixel 7, 8, and Fold models, which should make them more efficient in day-to-day use.

In addition, Bluetooth connectivity gets much-needed attention. Some Pixel owners, even those with the Pixel 9, had experienced trouble connecting with specific accessories, but the latest update ensures a smoother and more stable pairing process. The update also fixes some camera issues, particularly on the Pixel 9 series. While Google hasn’t specified exactly what’s fixed, we hope it addresses the issue with the 5x camera tilt.

For users who rely on biometrics, Android 15 addresses face unlock stability problems, specifically on newer devices like the Pixel 9 and Pixel Tablet. While we haven’t seen any widespread reports indicating that users were experiencing issues with face unlock on Pixel 9 models, it’s good to know that some improvements have been made. Google also claims a bug that caused the inner screen on foldable phones to have a gray shade has been patched. Again, this doesn’t seem like it was a widespread bug.

Another significant fix improves the network performance. Devices like the Pixel 8 and 9 series, which previously experienced dropped connections and spotty network behavior, should now benefit from a more stable connection. Network issues have always been a common complaint for Pixel users, so while Google claims Android 15 brings improvements in that area, I wouldn’t really get my hopes up for any significant improvements. Adaptive Connectivity Services have also been refined to avoid disruptions when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

In case you had an issue accessing media files in certain apps, Google says the update resolves that bug too. Android 15 brings some crucial UI improvements as well. Google says it’s fixed a bug that caused the home button to become unresponsive in certain scenarios. Some glitches involving icons and animations during app transitions are apparently fixed too. The update also fixed an issue where the Google Assistant’s animation wouldn’t trigger properly on the lock screen.

The update isn’t just about bug fixes, you’ll also get to check out some exciting new features. Private Space, for instance, will give users a dedicated zone for apps and files that require extra privacy, perfect for separating work from personal data. Another addition is app archiving, which lets you temporarily offload unused apps without losing their data, saving storage space while keeping things tidy. Google has also fine-tuned battery usage insights and adaptive sound settings, giving you more control over power consumption and audio performance in different environments.

Here’s the complete changelog for reference:

• Battery & Charging
  • Fix for issue occasionally causing device to reboot*[2]
  • General improvements for charging and battery usage*[3]
• Biometrics
  • Fix for issue in face unlock stability in certain conditions*[8]
• Bluetooth
  • Fix for issue occasionally preventing connection with certain Bluetooth devices or accessories*[7]
• Camera
  • General improvements for camera stability under certain conditions*[7]
• Display & Graphics
  • Fix for issue with gray shade in inner display screen under certain conditions*[10]
  • General improvements for stability or performance with certain system apps*[7]
  • General improvements to display stability*[9]
• Framework
  • Fix for issue occasionally preventing apps to access media files*[7]
• System
  • Fix for system stability and performance in certain conditions*[1]
• Telephony
  • Fix for Adaptive Connectivity Services stability and performance in certain conditions*[6]
  • General improvements for network connection stability and performance in certain conditions*[5,9]
• User Interface
  • Fix for issue causing incorrect Android icons are displayed in certain conditions*[1]
  • Fix for issue with Assistant launch animation on the lock screen*[7]
  • Fix for issue with home button stops responding in certain conditions*[3]
  • Fix for issue with incoming call notifications in certain conditions*[3]
  • Fix for issue with layouts and animations during transitions in certain conditions*[7]
  • Fix for performance and stability improvements in certain UI transitions and animations*[3]
  • General improvements for performance and stability in certain UI transitions and animations*[1]

Device Applicability

• Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below. Some fixes may be carrier/region specific.
  • *[1] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • *[2] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
  • *[3] Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • *[4] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
  • *[5] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
  • *[6] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • *[7] Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • *[8] Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel Tablet
  • *[9] Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • *[10] Pixel 9 Pro Fold

If you’ve already gotten the Android 15 update, you might notice the system feels snappier, with smoother animations and fewer hiccups. Several users who’ve installed the update have indeed confirmed the same. My Pixel 8 that’s been on the Android 15 beta channel since the beginning also feels slightly more “fluid” compared to when it was on Android 14. But, of course, your mileage may vary.