Google’s December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop promised exciting new features and improvements, but many Pixel users are still waiting for the update to arrive. While some received it on December 6, others are yet to receive the OTA notification for the update on their Pixel phones, leaving them frustrated.
Reports from Pixel users across various platforms, including social media and forums, indicate a staggered rollout for the December Feature Drop. Notably, none of our Pixel 8 and 7 series devices has received the update automatically. This has led to frustration and confusion, with some resorting to manually sideloading the update. However, not everyone is savvy enough to go through the manual installation process with the ease that comes with installing OTA updates.
Interestingly, the update seems to be rolling out smoothly for the Pixel Tablet and older models like the Pixel 6a and 6 Pro. This suggests the staggered rollout might be specific to newer Pixel devices. But even for those who managed to install the update on the latest models, some promised features are missing. On the Pixel 8 Pro, for instance, features like Gemini-powered Recorder Summaries and Video Boost are absent. Google has acknowledged Video Boost’s gradual rollout, explaining it won’t be available to everyone immediately.
Pixel December Feature Drop rolling out in phases
There’s also a similar explanation for the missing December Feature Drop on Google Pixel phones. In the official release notes, Google says the rollout is gradual and that it will be happening over the next few weeks depending on your carrier and device. Still, it’s confusing for Pixel 8 and 8 Pro owners yet to receive the update. I mean, you’d expect the latest devices to be prioritized, but it seems this isn’t the case for Google’s newest phones.
The latest features will begin rolling out today for Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a, Pixel 7/7 Pro/7a, Pixel 8/8 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet and Pixel Watch. The rollout will continue over the next few weeks depending on the carrier and device. Users will receive a notification once the Over The Air (OTA) update becomes available for their device.
Either way, you should rest assured nothing is wrong with your phone. It’s just a matter of time before the December Feature Drop arrives, so hang in there. Alternatively, you can manually install the latest update using this simple guide.
Featured image: Best Buy
Hillary Keverenge
2119 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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