With the December 2024 security patch, Google is rolling out the stable Android 15 QPR1 update and a Pixel (Feature) Drop for the 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
Android 15 QPR1 introduces a Material You Settings redesign. It starts with a pill-shaped search bar that’s docked as you scroll. Each menu is placed in a card with a new order and grouping of related preferences.
Old vs. new
Instead of appearing at the right with the other status bar icons, the screen Casting, recording, and sharing indicator is now a chip at the left. It includes a count that is always visible, while you can tap to “Stop recording.” Previously, you had to first open the notification shade, which could reveal any notifications if you don’t crop before sharing.
In Settings > Battery, there’s a new “Charging optimization” menu with Adaptive Charging and the new “Limit to 80%: Your phone will only charge to 80% battery.” A shield icon will appear in the status bar over the battery, while the Pixel widget, lockscreen, and always-on display notes how your phone is “Done charging.”
The Pixel 9 series gets a thicker status bar with the taller design helping contain the larger front-facing camera.
Themed icons are appreciably lighter than before, especially the circular background, when dark mode is enabled. The inner/actual icon also sees a corresponding adjustment. In light mode, that inner icon becomes brighter for a pastel shade.
The Pixel Tablet now allows you to place lockscreen widgets, which can be viewed by anyone if your device is locked. Swipe left on the lockscreen to access this 3×2 grid. Swipe to see more, with a long-press and unlock letting you rearrange them and add more.
Similarly, desktop windowing is available as a developer option. From a fullscreen app, you’ll see a new white bar at the top edge of the screen that you swipe down upon to window or tap for more options. Header bar controls let you close the app and expand/minimize the app.
There’s a fixed taskbar that shows your dock and lets you access the full grid, while open apps appear at the right. Additionally, you can resize windows from any corner. To test, go to Settings > System > Developer options > Enable freeform windows.
Other changes in Android 15 QPR1 Pixel update include:
- When a keyboard is open, you’ll get a globe icon to quickly switch.
- Predictive Back now works with Gboard.
- In Settings > Accessibility > Color and motion, there’s a new Color correction slider
- Instead of seeing your wallpaper after a long reboot (like after installs), Google now shows a scalloped loading indicator, with your homescreen appearing afterwards.
- When you long-press on a Quick Settings Tile, there’s a new animation that expands the container with an accompanying vibration.
There are 6 security issues resolved in the Android 15 December patch dated 2024-12-01 and 8 for 2024-12-05. The vulnerabilities are rated as having “High” severity.
The dedicated bulletin for Google devices lists 14 additional security fixes.
Global
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 9 Pro: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 9: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8a: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8 Pro: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Fold: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Tablet: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7a: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7 Pro: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6a: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6 Pro: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6: AP4A.241205.013 — Factory Image — OTA
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