Every year, Google releases a big Android update with new features and improvements. Android 13 is the latest version of the software and has been available for Pixel smartphones since mid-August. Although not much time has passed since the Android 13 rollout, the first details of Android 14 update are already beginning to emerge.
The next major OS update will probably arrive in mid-2023. Android 13 is a continuous update with respect to Android 12, improving and refining multiple aspects. After all, Android 12 was a big aesthetic change, but its initial rollout was full of bugs.
Android 14 update is likely to maintain a similar line of continuity, as it’s rare for major software changes to occur every couple of years. However, this is mere speculation based on previous history.
Although the aesthetic section is unknown today, some details have emerged about new features and functional additions that the update could bring, in addition to the possible date for the start of beta testing.
First Android 14 technical details
Starting with Android 14 beta, some recent reports suggest that it will arrive in April 2023. Google has shortened the Android 13 QPR period to avoid having two beta programs in process at the same time.
Although the Android 14 beta could be available in April 2023, the first Developer Preview could arrive in February of the same year. Developer Preview ROMs are intended for developers to adapt their apps to the new OS.
Now, regarding technical and functional details, there are interesting news. First, it seems like Android 14 update will make the AV1 codec support mandatory on all devices.
The AV1 codec will allow reducing the bandwidth requirements to consume videos in online services. Therefore, online videos will probably load faster. Also, some devices will now be 64-bit-only, ‘killing’ apps and services that have not been ported to 64-bit yet.
Another new feature will be support for direct satellite connectivity to smartphones. Thanks to this, Android 14 will allow the use of services such as Starlink V2 to get network signal even in remote areas. For now, this is all that is known about Android 14. We will be monitoring all related developments in the future to update this story.
Google Pixel Android 14 update tracker
Enclosed is a list of important official resources that you may find valuable in relation to the update rollout:
Click/tap to view older updates
Update 1 (November 10, 2022)
04:57 pm (IST): According to a report, Identity Credential HAL support is another requirement for Android 14 launch. It is the framework API that enables secure storage of mobile driver’s licenses in Android.
Update 2 (November 15, 2022)
12:20 pm (IST): According to 9to5Google, Android 14 will let the predictive back gesture work within various applications and let users preview the previous screen.
Update 3 (December 01, 2022)
02:15 pm (IST): Google Pixel users have been unhappy with the inconsistent UI of the Extreme Battery Saver settings page in Android 13.
Instead of having a transparent system navigation bar and the same font as in Android Settings, the page has an inconsistent font that is different from the rest of Android Settings. It also has an opaque system navigation bar that truncates page content.
It’s now coming to light that Google will redesign the entire page in future Android OS updates, likely beginning with Android 14:
Update 4 (December 28, 2022)
04:09 pm (IST): Google is working on a new feature in Android 14 that will allow devices to stay connected to internet even when they’re very old and don’t receive software update anymore.
Update 5 (January 05, 2023)
03:50 pm (IST): One of the points to improve in Android for years is the share menu. Google has already made some efforts on its functionality, but there is still work to be done.
The Android share menu is basically the list that allows you to choose which app you want to share a particular file with. Starting with Android 11, Google improved the speed of the previously very slow menu.
Now, the goal is to improve consistency by preventing each app from displaying their own share menus, which will help develop ‘muscle memory’ to speed-up the file sharing process with instant responses.
Update 6 (January 24, 2023)
03:48 pm (IST): Android 14 will reportedly block certain outdated apps from being installed to reduce the risk of malware.
Update 7 (February 3, 2023)
11:50 am (IST): Android 14 may bring the ability to use some devices as a USB webcam for your computer.
Update 8 (February 9, 2023)
10:00 am (IST): Google has released the Android 14 Developer Preview update for the Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
Check out the complete Android 14 timeline below:
05:50 pm (IST): Its coming to light that Android 14 adds key layout files for the Sony Playstation DualSense Edge Controller and the SteelSeries Stratus Plus.
Also, there are rumors that a toggle for the Fast Pair Bluetooth feature will be released.
Update 9 (February 10, 2023)
05:21 pm (IST): With Android 14 update, Google might add an option to convert a physical SIM into eSIM.
Update 10 (February 13, 2023)
05:10 pm (IST): Android 14 may include new options for all region-specific preferences.
Update 11 (February 16, 2023)
05:59 pm (IST): Android 14 may integrate Google’s Data Safety section to allow more transparency for users.
Update 12 (March 09, 2023)
12:50 pm (IST): Google has released Android 14 developer preview 2 for eligible Pixel devices with additional enhancements to privacy, security, performance, developer productivity, and user customization.
Update 13 (April 6, 2023)
05:25 pm (IST): With Android 14, Google might add a feature that will allow users to seamlessly transfer call from one Android phone to another.
Update 14 (April 7, 2023)
06:25 pm (IST): Google seems to be striving towards broadening the functionality of Material You to include visual accessibility elements related to vision, such as high-contrast text option and more.
Update 15 (April 13, 2023)
09:30 pm (IST): Google has released the first public beta of Android 14 for eligible Pixel users, which brings new changes.
11:54 am (IST): The first beta of Android 14 is now available for Pixel devices and it seems to have broken the fingerprint unlock as the device asks for PIN instead.
Update 16 (April 21, 2023)
12:35 pm (IST): Google is currently conducting a survey to gather feedback from users of Android 14 beta 1. They have also announced that the upcoming patch will address some of the bugs and issues reported by users.
Update 17 (April 27, 2023)
01:43 pm (IST): Google has now released Android 14 beta 1.1 update for eligible Pixel users, which brings some bug fixes.
Update 18 (May 1, 2023)
04:44 pm (IST): Google is reportedly working to separate ringtone and notification volume sliders with Android 14 update.
Update 19 (May 11, 2023)
06:06 pm (IST): Google has released Android 14 beta 2 adding more new features to its upcoming major upgrade.
Update 20 (May 26, 2023)
04:25 pm (IST): Google has now released Android 14 beta 2.1 update for Pixel users. And it comes with a bunch of bug fixes.
Update 21 (June 5, 2023)
06:53 pm (IST): With Android 14 update, Google will reportedly add ‘Battery health’ feature just like iOS.
Update 22 (June 8, 2023)
04:45 pm (IST): Google has now released Android 14 beta 3 update and it includes a bunch of fixes.
05:16 pm (IST): With Android 14 beta 3, Google added a new charging indicator.
Update 23 (June 9, 2023)
05:35 pm (IST): According to a report, you could have the ability to view several stylus-specific options with Android 14 when you attach a stylus to your Pixel tablet.
05:55 pm (IST): Pixel owners rejoice as Google is rolling out Emoji Wallpapers in the latest Android 14 Beta 3, adding a playful touch to your phone’s background.
Update 24 (June 15, 2023)
06:45 pm (IST): Google has now released Android 14 beta 3.1 update and that includes security updates and a bunch of fixes.
Update 25 (June 29, 2023)
04:34 pm (IST): With Android 14, Google might bring back the old taskbar on the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
Update 26 (July 13, 2023)
03:57 pm (IST): Google has now released Android 14 beta 4 for eligible Pixel devices. It brings fixes for a lot of bugs that were reported in the previous beta builds.
05:24 pm (IST): With Android 14 beta 4, Google has released space-themed Easter egg game. Here’s how to get it.
Update 27 (July 17, 2023)
04:40 pm (IST): After Android 14 update, Google will reportedly warn users when they try to sideload updates for some Google apps.
Update 28 (July 19, 2023)
04:40 pm (IST): Android 14’s work profile changes will make it faster to get back to work, but also mean you’re never truly away from it. You’ll know when your boss or colleague calls, and won’t appear offline to workmates.
Update 29 (July 20, 2023)
04:22 pm (IST): Google is now asking beta testers to share their feedback regarding Android 14 beta 4. They can do so by filling out an anonymous survey.
Update 30 (July 24, 2023)
09:46 am (IST): According to a report, Android 14 is soon making satellite SMS a reality with the support coming to Pixel and Galaxy phones first.
Update 31 (July 25, 2023)
04:51 pm (IST): With Android 14, Google has added a few native features for connected stylus.
Update 32 (July 27, 2023)
04:30 pm (IST): Google has released Android 14 beta 4.1 update for eligible Pixel devices. It brings a bunch of bug fixes.
Update 33 (August 9, 2023)
11:35 am (IST): With Android 14, Google brings advanced cellular security mitigations to protect users from potential attacks on less secure 2G networks.
Update 34 (August 11, 2023)
02:53 pm (IST): Google has now released the last and final beta of Android 14. Beta 5 is now available for eligible Pixel devices and it brings a bunch of bug fixes.
Update 35 (August 23, 2023)
10:08 pm (IST): Google Pixel beta testers are now getting Android 14 beta 5.1 patch with fixes for several issues.
05:14 pm (IST): With Android 14, Google will automatically let you share the URL when you share a screenshot of a webpage, particularly from Chrome or YouTube.
Update 36 (August 28, 2023)
05:11 pm (IST): Google has released Android 14 beta 5.2 update for Pixel users. It brings a bunch of bug fixes, especially for Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
Update 37 (September 6, 2023)
08:59 am (IST): The Android 14 release has reportedly been delayed by a month and the new release date is now October 4.
Update 38 (September 7, 2023)
12:54 pm (IST): Android 14 beta 5.3 update is now available for the eligible Pixel phones with bunch of big fixes.
Update 39 (September 14, 2023)
01:58 pm (IST): Google is now preparing for their next beta program where they will soon release QPR1 beta for eligible Pixel phones.
Update 40 (September 21, 2023)
06:30 pm (IST): Google has released Android 14 QPR1 beta update for eligible Pixel phones, tablet, and Fold devices. It brings a bunch of bug fixes.
Update 41 (September 22, 2023)
02:23 pm (IST): With Android 14 QPR1 beta, users will be easily able to move the app from inner to outer screen.
Update 42 (September 25, 2023)
01:02 pm (IST): With Android 14 QPR1 beta, Google is testing a floating search bar in its launcher that will be more accessible using thumb.
Update 43 (October 5, 2023)
02:00 pm (IST): The Android 14 upgrade, which includes the current October 2023 security patch and various improvements, is now available.
Update 44 (October 6, 2023)
02:30 pm (IST): Google started rolling out the Android 14 QPR 1 Beta 2 update with the October 2023 security patch for Pixel 5a and upper models.
Update 45 (October 13, 2023)
10:30 am (IST): The Android 14 QPR1 Beta 2 update has been released for both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Update 46 (October 17, 2023)
06:00 pm (IST): Recently, in a Reddit AMA session, the company confirmed that the Lossless USB Audio feature will be coming to all Android 14-powered phones with an update.
Update 47 (October 20, 2023)
03:52 pm (IST): The Android 14 QPR1 beta 2.1 update for Pixel 5a and newer phones has recently been released. It brings bug fixes to some known issues and performance improvements. You should note that the patch will be released for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro at a later date.
Update 48 (October 24, 2023)
05:50 pm (IST): Google has recently released the Android 14 QPR1 beta 2.1 update for the Pixel 8 series.
Featured image: Google.
PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.