New Google Play system update downgrading some Pixel devices from September to August 2021

The Android devices usually receive Google Play system updates. These types of updates focus on adding the latest features and changes to Google services and apps.

However, a recent Google Play system update received by some Google Pixel phones is actually causing a version downgrade, according to multiple reports (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

BEWARE: New Google Play System Update moved my 4a 5g from September to August patch

You read that right. I just installed a Google play system update on my 4a 5g that was about 220kb and it moved my phone from September 2021 to August 2021 security patches and now it says I’m up to date.
Source

It seems that this issue is happening randomly. One of the affected users reports that, having two Pixel phones (Pixel 4a and Pixel 6), one received the latest November update, while the other was downgraded.

Hey
@madebygoogle
– my Pixel 6 just reverted the Google Play system update from September to August, while my Pixel 4a updated to November as expected.
What is going on here?
Source

Some Pixel phones users are reporting other problems related to the latest Google Play system updates.

For some time now, Android phones show a warning notification when a Google Play system update has not been received in the last three months.

Then, users affected by the downgrade to August version are constantly receiving this notification, due to the fact that their Google Play system update version is now three months old.

I updated my P6 ok, first the small update then the larger 55 mbone. Now on November1. Ok. Updated my wife’s P6, first the 600 kb one then another small 230 kb ish update. Now it shows August. Shows up to date. Yellow triangle warns of no update for 90 days. Long press on power button brings up some Chinese characters which when pressed opens assistant. How to fix this?
Source

It should be noted that there are affected users who report having received a new Google Play system update after suffering the downgrade. However, this would not have helped at all:

At the moment, there is no official statement from Google on this matter. Therefore, it is not yet known if they are aware of what is happening.

So, for now, affected users can only wait for a new update to resolve the problem. If there is any new development in this regard, we will update this article, so stay tuned.

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