January 2026 Pixel update likely to begin rolling out around mid next week

Google’s January 2026 Pixel update still hasn’t arrived, but signs suggest the rollout may finally begin around the middle of next week. Notably, this delay is happening despite Google already publishing the January 2026 Android security bulletin with a fix for a critical Dolby 0-click vulnerability for Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices, which usually coincides with or closely precedes the Pixel OTA release.

So far, the update has missed Google’s usual early-month release windows. Both the first Tuesday and first Wednesday of January have passed without an OTA rollout for Pixel devices, even though the monthly security patches are already publicly documented.

Looking at recent history, however, this delay isn’t entirely out of character.

Over the past several months, Google has released Pixel updates on a mix of first and second Tuesdays or Wednesdays:

• December: December 2 (1st Tuesday)
• November: November 11 (2nd Tuesday)
• October: October 8 (2nd Wednesday)
• September: September 3 (1st Wednesday)
• August: August 5 (1st Tuesday)
• July: July 8 (2nd Tuesday)

This pattern shows that while Google often aims for the first week of the month, Pixel updates frequently slip into the second week, particularly when the initial rollout window is missed. What makes January stand out is that the security bulletin is already live, yet Pixel users are still waiting for the corresponding OTA. Even worse is that for Pixel 7a owners, the security patch level is still dated November 2025, but hopefully, the device receives the January patch to level up with the rest of the family.

Given this context, the most likely scenario is that the January 2026 Pixel update will begin rolling out mid next week, potentially on Tuesday or Wednesday, aligning with Google’s recent habit of pushing delayed updates during the second full week of the month.

Google hasn’t offered an official explanation for the delay, and there’s still no confirmed release date. As usual, the update is expected to roll out gradually, meaning availability may vary by device model and region.

For now, Pixel owners should continue checking Settings → System → System update, as the January 2026 update could start appearing once Google initiates the staged rollout.

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