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With Google I/O and the expected stable launch of Android 16 just a couple of weeks away, I was wondering if Google might just skip the traditional May Android 15 security update for Pixel devices. But, it looks like Google has decided to go ahead and roll out a May 2025 security patch and Pixel update!
The update is rolling out now and includes the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and the Pixel 9a. As usual, Google says the rollout is happening in phases over the next week or so, with timing potentially varying based on your device and carrier.
What’s fixed in the May Pixel update?
While not a massive feature drop, this update tackles a few annoying bugs we’ve seen users discussing, applying to all the supported devices mentioned above:
- Audio: Addresses degraded microphone recording quality that some users experienced in certain apps (like WhatsApp).
- Bluetooth: Fixes issues with Bluetooth pairing failing under specific conditions with some smartwatches.
- Framework: Corrects a glitch where Quick Settings might display text like “Torch” or “Aeroplane mode” in a secondary language incorrectly.
On the security front, this update addresses several security issues detailed in the Android Security bulletin. Google also notes one vulnerability (CVE-2025-27363) “may be under limited, targeted exploitation,” making this an important update to install. The dedicated Pixel Update bulletin adds another three security fixes specific to Google devices.
Important Note: Anti-rollback update for Pixel 6 & 8 Series
This is crucial for anyone who manually flashes factory images: the May 2025 update includes a bootloader update for Pixel 6 series (6, 6 Pro, 6a) and Pixel 8 series (8, 8 Pro, 8a) devices. This update increments the anti-rollback version counter. This means that once you install this May update on those specific devices, you will not be able to flash or boot older Android 15 builds. This is a security measure to prevent downgrading to potentially vulnerable software versions. Google has provided additional instructions here.
May 2025 Pixel update build numbers
Here are the build numbers for the May 2025 update:
Global
- Pixel 6: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 6 Pro: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 6a: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 7: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 7 Pro: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 7a: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel Tablet: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel Fold: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 8: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 8 Pro: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 8a: BP1A.250505.005.B1
- Pixel 9: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: BP1A.250505.005
- Pixel 9a: BD4A.250505.003
Taiwan+EMEA (Pixel 9 Series Only)
- Pixel 9: BP1A.250505.005.A1
- Pixel 9 Pro: BP1A.250505.005.A1
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: BP1A.250505.005.A1
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: BP1A.250505.005.A1
Verizon (Pixel 9 Series Only)
- Pixel 9: BP1A.250505.005.D1
- Pixel 9 Pro: BP1A.250505.005.D1
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: BP1A.250505.005.D1
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: BP1A.250505.005.D1
Deutsche Telekom (Pixel 9 Series Only)
- Pixel 9: BP1A.250505.005.C1
- Pixel 9 Pro: BP1A.250505.005.C1
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: BP1A.250505.005.C1
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: BP1A.250505.005.C1
Keep an eye out for the update notification on your Pixel device! You can manually check by heading to Settings > System > System update.
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