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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.
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.
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.
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- Samsung can't win the thin war as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold leaked to be even skinnier
- iPhone 16 Pro Max tipped to arrive in two fresh new colors — bronze and black
- 7 ways Pixel 9 Pro XL can beat iPhone 15 Pro Max
