While Android P might still be a while away from entering beta, let alone a full-fledged release, we still have monthly security updates to keep us company. Google has released the April security patch for Pixel and Nexus devices, which will be rolled out OTA over the next few days.
According to the Android Security bulletin, there are 62 issues resolved in the April security patch dated 2018-04-01. Vulnerabilities range from high to critical, with the most severe relating to the media framework and possibly permitting a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code through a crafted file, which seems to be a recurring theme in the monthly security updates. Google also notes that there are no reports of customers being affected by these security issues and that 30% more devices are getting these patches compared to the last year.
Several improvements for Pixel and Nexus devices included as well
The update also aims at optimizing the performance of some devices. For example, it improves Wi-Fi stability on Pixel 2 devices after several users reported intermittent WiFi issues. The update also improves lock screen performance, adjusts notifications when entering or exiting Wi-Fi coverage during a video call, improves magnetic sensor performance, fingerprint and keyboard latency in certain situations, optimizes search logic to improve battery performance and a lot more. The complete list of the changes can be found here.
The full download and OTA links are below. Instructions on how to sideload the image to your device are available on the same page. However, we recommend that you wait for the OTA to hit your device unless you've had prior experience with flashing images on your device.
- Pixel 2 XL: Android 8.1 —OPM2.171019.029 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 2: Android 8.1 —OPM2.171019.029 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel XL: Android 8.1 —OPM2.171019.029 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel: Android 8.1 —OPM2.171019.029 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel C: Android 8.1 —OPM1.171019.026 — Factory Image — OTA
- Nexus 6P: Android 8.1 —OPM5.171019.019 — Factory Image — OTA
- Nexus 5X: Android 8.1 —OPM2.171019.029 — Factory Image — OTA
Other devices should receive the update during the course of the month, depending on the manufacturer.
