The latest Android security update dated May 5, 2018, is now available for Google’s Pixel and Nexus devices, with the software package appearing on the official Android website in the form of both factory images and over-the-air files. The actual wireless rollout is expected to commence within the next 24 hours, as is usually the case when Google releases a new security patch. Owners of the first two generations of Pixel flagships and eligible Nexus phones that want to apply the new update as quickly as possible can do so manually by referring to the banners below. As always, flashing the OTA files will allow you to retain your locally stored data and can be sideloaded onto devices with unlocked bootloaders.
The May 2018 Android security update contains 23 mandatory fixes that original equipment manufacturers must implement into their custom software in order to declare that their devices are running the package in question. The images optimized for Pixel and Nexus devices contain dozens of smaller remedies addressing less significant vulnerabilities and modifications that OEMs are free but not required to incorporate into their own Android builds, though all such fixes will eventually be part of the default framework as well. Among that list of optional changes are various performance improvements of Android’s multitouch detection functionality which apply to all devices, as well as new tweaks to the power adjusting behavior of the 2016 Pixel XL which is likely meant to eliminate its documented overcharging problems.
Android One offerings such as Xiaomi’s Mi A1 and Nokia’s recent smartphones are likely to be the first handsets to start receiving the May security update after the Pixel lineup and eligible Nexus devices. The second developer preview of Android P is also expected to come bundled with the same set of patches and will be introduced at this year’s Google I/O conference which is starting tomorrow in the company’s home city of Mountain View, California.
Android May Security Update Factory ImagesAndroid May Security Update OTA FilesAndroid May Security Update Pixel/Nexus Bulletin