Google rolls out first Android update of 2026 to Pixel phones
January security update fixes battery drain and display bugs on eligible Pixel devices
By The News Digital
January 13, 2026
Google kicks off the initial Android update of 2026 for Pixel smartphones, featuring the monthly security patch and some critical patch fixes. The update process begins on Monday, focusing on battery drain, touch, and always-on display-related problems.
The January 2026 update introduces no new features but solely aims for improvement and optimisation. Google announces that the update resolves issues with excessive battery drain, unresponsive touch input on some screens, and an issue with the always-on display on certain phones. Despite being only 7.60MB, this update maintains the importance of having secure and stable Pixel smartphones.
Pixel devices receiving January 2026 update
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Pixel devices not receiving January 2026 update
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
-
China launches world’s first biomimetic AI robot that feels human -
Elon Musk says space becomes cheapest place for AI data centres -
Germany joins Spain in considering social media ban for under-16s -
AI easily creates convincing Epstein images with world leaders -
AI assisted screening could detect aggressive breast cancer earlier, study finds -
Google brings AirDrop-style sharing to more Android phones -
Amazon to spend $200bn on AI expansion as big tech doubles down -
Inside Anthropic Claude Opus 4.6: New era of pro-level ‘vibe coding’