Google did something it often fails to do: communicate clearly about Pixel March update delay for US carriers

When the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop rolled out, Google Pixel 8, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold users on Verizon Wireless did not receive the update alongside their fellow Pixel users. This left affected Pixel users upset and while we don’t know what transpired, the wait only lasted a week before the update finally arrived. This wasn’t an isolated case, though. The September 2023 update also saw a significant delay. And so did the April 2023 and March 2023 updates. Heck, we have documented these delays as far back as May 2019, so we know a thing or two about delayed updates on Google Pixel phones.

Unfortunately, this delay is happening once again with the Google Pixel March 2024 update for those on US carriers. The update, which also tags along the March Pixel Feature Drop, started rolling out earlier this week for users across the globe. However, those in the US have been left out. But unlike previous cases, Google did what it has often failed to do in the past — communicate clearly about the March 2024 update delay for Pixel users on US carriers.

These delays happen for different reasons, but the common one is the discovery of a last-minute bug in the software. In this case, it’s also possible that Google still needs to tune the software to work with certain features available on US carriers. While these are guesses, what Google didn’t leave us to speculate about is the actual delay. In the release notes, Google was pretty clear that Pixel devices in the US will begin receiving the update from the week of Monday 11, which is commendable by the company’s standards.

Software for US Carriers will be available starting next week. Users will receive a notification once the OTA is available for their device.

This seemingly small act of transparency is a significant departure from Google’s often mystifying update practices. Let’s face it, Pixel users have grown accustomed to anxiously awaiting monthly updates, only to be met with radio silence when those updates fail to materialize on time. The frustration of watching other regions receive updates while waiting in limbo without any communication from Google has become a frustrating theme in the community. However, this week, Google has broken that cycle. By preemptively addressing the delay, the company has spared its loyal Pixel fanbase in the US a weekend of confusion, speculation, and inevitable online venting on Reddit, X and the Pixel community forum. This simple act of transparency could go a long way in building trust and maybe even demonstrates that Google is starting to pay attention to user feedback.

This is no small matter, especially coming on the back of what many termed as the smoothest Pixel update rollout in the recent past. Software updates are crucial to a modern smartphone experience. They patch vulnerabilities, add features, and maintain a sense of continued investment in our devices. Clear, timely communication about these updates is not a luxury, but a basic necessity for a positive user experience.

Of course, timely updates would be the ultimate goal. But in the real world, delays happen. The key is acknowledging them and communicating with users. Google’s move with the March update is a promising step. Let’s hope it signals a new era of clear, honest updates from Google and inspires other tech behemoths to follow suit. After all, a little transparency goes a long way in keeping customers happy, especially when the inevitable hiccups occur.