The July 2018 Android security patch is now beginning to roll out to Nexus and Pixel devices via OTA and associated files, for less patient and tech-savvy users, are available as well. The files currently available for download include both OTA files and factory images – for those who don’t mind or want a factory reset of their phone with the update. For clarity, those apply to Google’s self-branded Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel C, Pixel, and Pixel XL handsets. Separate files are reportedly required for T-Mobile users with this update but only for the newer Pixel 2 handsets. For the larger Pixel 2 XL, T-Mobile users will need to download OPM4.171019.021.R1, while the smaller Pixel 2 will require OPM4.171019.021.Q1. Both of those smartphones will also receive an additional fix for unstable Wi-Fi connections associated with a few specific routers. Huawei’s Nexus 6P is also included in the list of devices set to receive the update, as is LG’s Nexus 5X.
With regard to what, exactly, is included in the latest security update to Android, the patch includes everything from the previously revealed July 5 notes. That includes no fewer than eight ‘critical’ security vulnerability fixes specific to Qualcomm hardware. At least one of those is associated with allowing remote code execution found in the WLAN components. Each of the remaining 24 fixes is rated as a ‘high’ severity level and found throughout the device from the system level through other Qualcomm related components. Those fall under the elevation of privileges and information disclosure categories, which means that they allow software to maliciously or accidentally access sensitive information and gain unrevealed privileges without direct user input. The majority of fixes are unclassified and Qualcomm-specific, however. 26 further fixes are applied in addition to those, falling under the ‘moderate’ severity rating.
Users looking to install the updates themselves will want to ensure they follow Google’s guides for installation. Any important data, messages, images, and other files should probably be backed up before getting started since updates don’t always go as planned. For those willing to wait, rollouts don’t ordinarily take more than a few weeks to complete and the update will arrive as a notification. Those can also be checked for manually by navigating to the settings app, finding the system section, and then tapping ‘System Update.’
Factory ImagesFull OTA Images