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Google recently started pushing a second April update to some Pixel devices. It turns out the new release is a sort of hotfix to address connectivity issues. Users of those devices have been reporting problems with network connectivity, leading to missed calls and messages.
The second April update fixes Pixel network issues
As usual, Google updated all supported Pixel models to the April 2024 security patch within the first couple of weeks of the month. However, it recently released another update with the April patch for the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro. It was unclear why the company rolled out a second build for these devices.
We now have confirmation that the new release is meant to fix network issues. The update is available for the Pixel 7 and newer models with the firmware build number AP1A.240405.002.B1. It is AP1A.240405.002.A2 for the Pixel Fold. Google confirmed the rollout to 9to5Google and also emailed some affected customers.
The update is available to Verizon users in the US, though a wider rollout shouldn’t take long. “The current software update provides performance improvements for LTE call/data and network issues,” Verizon said in its changelog. It will roll out globally to Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel Fold units on all impacted network carriers over the next few weeks.
While Verizon’s changelog is short in details, the network issues in question are quite critical. Affected users say they missed calls because they went straight to voicemail without ringing the phone. Users also missed text messages. Reports about these problems have been around for a few months now. Google is finally fixing those.
If you are using a Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, or Pixel 8 Pro and having network issues, watch out for a new update. The OTA (over the air) package weighs less than 7MB but fixes the annoying problems. You can also check for updates manually from the Settings app. Alternatively, you can download the OTA file and sideload it.
A new feature drop will arrive in June
The next major feature update for Pixels isn’t expected before June. The company will release the third Android 14 feature drop, aka QPR3, in June. Eligible models will then get Android 15 a few months later. The new Android version will soon be available in beta if you want to try it out early. Google has already released two developer preview builds.