Pixel 9 leak claims that it might launch without Android 15 — which would be a mistake

Promo image for the Google Pixel 9 Pro showing off the new camera array
(Image credit: Google)

Normally, when Google launches its latest Google Pixel flagship, we can expect it to come running the newly released version of Android right out of the box. But that may not be the case this year, with one rumor suggesting the Pixel 9 series may end up running on Android 14 at launch.

This is according to a report from Android Headlines, and it seems that the issue may be to do with Google releasing the Pixel 9 series earlier than we originally expected. Because the numbered Android releases typically launch in late summer, while Pixel phones arrive in October. And that means the Pixel 9 might be arriving a little too early to come bundled with Android 15.

The Google Pixel 9, which will be vying to become one of the best Android phones, is launching at the Made by Google event on August 13. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold should be officially released roughly a week later. Meanwhile, we don’t have a solid release date for Android 15, only that the final scheduled beta rolled out a couple of weeks back in the form of Android 15 beta 4

That means the final version of the software could drop at any time, but without any word from Google itself there’s no way of knowing when that might be. After all, there have been two instances in recent years, namely Android 12 and Android 14, where the new versions of Android didn't actually arrive until much later in the year. So your guess on an actual Android 15 release date is as good as ours.

Android Headlines doesn’t actually specify the source of this information, so there’s no telling how accurate or legitimate it might be. However, Google does seem to be cutting it close with its timeline, and with the new early release it’s not impossible to imagine the Pixel 9 could beat Android 15 out into the world.

Then again, the Pixel 9 could launch with the new software regardless of when it rolls out to older Pixel phones. Because it makes a lot more sense to get software ready for your new flagship rather than having to worry about absolute equity with the last three generations of Pixel phones as well.

If Android 15 launches shortly after the Pixel 9 goes on sale, this wouldn’t be a good look for Google. After all, some of us here at Tom’s Guide assumed that the release date was brought forward by 2 months to ensure a much closer relationship between major Pixel and Android releases.  If Google can’t match those timelines properly, as Apple does with new iPhones and iOS, then bringing the Pixel 9 launch forward was a wasted endeavor.

But we won’t find out for sure until the Made by Google event, which is set to take place in 2 weeks on August 13. In the meantime, be sure to check out our Pixel 9 and Android 15 hubs for all the latest news and rumors coming our way.

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to Mobile Cell Phones
Brand
Arrow
Storage Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Showing 10 of 109 deals
Filters
Arrow
Our Review
1
Google Pixel 8 Pro - 128 GB
Verizon
Our Review
2
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 512...
Samsung
Our Review
3
OnePlus 12,16GB...
Amazon
(512GB)
Our Review
5
OnePlus - 12 512GB (Unlocked)...
Best Buy
Our Review
6
Google Pixel 8a 128 GB
Visible
(128GB)
Our Review
7
Pixel 8 Pro Obsidian 128GB...
Google Store NA
Our Review
8
Google Pixel 8 Pro - 128 GB
AT&T Mobility
(256GB Silver)
Our Review
9
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra...
Walmart
(Black)
Our Review
10
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra...
Straight Talk
Show more
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

Read more
Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Watch 3
What to expect from Google in 2025 — Pixel 10, Android 16, Pixel Watch 4 and more
Google Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 9a launch date just tipped — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 5 review
Google Pixel 10 lineup leaked in new renderings — here's what they look like
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a specs just fully leaked ahead of iPhone 16E launch
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a benchmarks leaked — and the scores are underwhelming
Pixel 10 Pro concept video
Pixel 10 Pro concept video imagines crazy camera redesign
Latest in Google Phones
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 7a side by side composite.
Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 7a: Biggest differences explained
CAD renders of the Google Pixel 10
Google Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 chipset could be very different — here’s what we know
Latest in News
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body
Nintendo Switch 2 promo image
Nintendo Switch 2 just tipped for three major upgrades — here's what we know
A still from "John Wick" spinoff "Ballerina" featuring Ana de Armas in a club
'John Wick' spinoff 'Ballerina' just got a new trailer — and I can't wait for it to hit theaters
Great Celebrity Bake Off 2025
How to watch ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off' 2025 online – episode 1 streaming now
MacBook Pro 2023
New Mac attack is tricking users into thinking their computer is locked — how to stay safe
huawei pura x
This might be the most unique foldable phone design — and it's not from Samsung