Google has deployed its November security patch for Android 15, bringing crucial fixes to a wide range of Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 series to the latest Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The update addresses numerous security vulnerabilities and resolves several device-specific issues that have been affecting user experience.
The security patch, which comes shortly after Android 15’s stable release, tackles 44 security issues across two patch levels: 21 vulnerabilities dated 2024-11-01 and 23 dated 2024-11-05. Of particular concern are two critical vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-43047 affecting the Kernel and CVE-2024-43093 related to elevation of privilege – which Google reports may have already been subject to “limited, targeted exploitation.
Breaking from tradition, this update arrives outside Google’s typical first-Monday-of-the-month schedule, highlighting the urgency of the security fixes. The patch is being distributed across an impressive lineup of devices, showcasing Google’s commitment to maintaining security across multiple generations of Pixel devices.
For Pixel 9 series users, the update brings several specific improvements. The patch addresses a peculiar camera tilt issue that occurred while zooming between cameras, enhancing the photography experience that Pixel devices are renowned for. Display-related fixes eliminate the annoying white dots that would occasionally flash under certain conditions, while improvements to the Adaptive brightness feature ensure more consistent automatic screen adjustment.
Bluetooth connectivity sees enhancement for the Pixel 9 series, with fixes targeting range-related issues that some users had reported. The update also tackles a frustrating keyboard dismiss button problem that had been affecting user interaction.
The Pixel 8a receives special attention with a fix for screen brightness flickering, a problem that had been impacting user experience in various lighting conditions. This demonstrates Google’s attention to device-specific issues, even for mid-range models in their lineup.
Across all supported Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 to the latest models, the update introduces general improvements to UI transitions and animations, promising a smoother and more refined user experience. This system-wide enhancement reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to maintaining performance across its entire device ecosystem.
The update carries different build numbers for various device generations, with most devices receiving build AP3A.241105.007, while the Pixel 9 series gets build AP3A.241105.008. The relatively small update size – just 57.35 MB for the Pixel 9 Pro XL – suggests efficient packaging of these crucial fixes.
For users concerned about security, the presence of vulnerabilities under active exploitation makes this update particularly important. Google’s security bulletin also mentions three additional security fixes specific to Pixel devices, though details remain limited to prevent potential exploitation of unpatched devices.
The comprehensive nature of this update reflects the complex challenge of maintaining security and performance across a diverse range of devices. From the three-year-old Pixel 6 to the cutting-edge Pixel 9 Pro Fold, each device receives tailored attention to address both common and device-specific issues.
Users can access the update through the traditional over-the-air update system, while more technical users can download factory and OTA images directly from Google’s developer website. Given the critical nature of some security fixes, users are encouraged to install the update as soon as it becomes available for their device.
This November security patch demonstrates Google’s ongoing commitment to device security and user experience, proving that the company continues to support its devices with regular updates that address both security vulnerabilities and performance issues across its expanding Pixel ecosystem.
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