Google Pixel smartphones get second December update with battery drain fixes and touch improvements

Camera setup stays simple, and some flagship features may not arrive Google is expected to continue with a dual-camera setup: a 48 MP main sensor and a 13 MP ultra-wide lens. More advanced telephoto or triple-camera systems are unlikely. The AI-powered Magic Cue feature seen on Pixel 10 flagships may also skip the 10a at launch.

Google has reportedly begun rolling out a second system update for Pixel smartphones in December, just weeks after releasing the main Android 16 QPR2 update and the December Pixel Drop. Unlike the standard monthly patch, this new update is much smaller in size and appears to be aimed at fixing specific post-update issues reported by users rather than introducing new features.

Early reports suggest that the update is not being pushed to all users at once. Instead, it seems to be a targeted rollout, reaching select Pixel models and regions, with users discovering it unexpectedly after installing the regular December update.

Limited rollout and supported models

According to user reports on Reddit, the second December update has been spotted on Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series smartphones. Most confirmations have come from users in the US, although a few Pixel owners in the UK have also reported receiving the update.

The OTA package is reportedly around 25MB in size, indicating that it is a focused hotfix rather than a full firmware release. As of now, Google has not published factory images or OTA files for this build on its official Pixel firmware pages, and there is no confirmation on whether older devices like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series will receive it.

Fixes included in the update

While Google has not shared an official changelog, Verizon has listed details for the update under build number BP4A.251205.006.E1 for supported Pixel models. According to the carrier, the update addresses faster-than-expected battery drain reported after the December release. It also fixes intermittent touch responsiveness issues, particularly affecting Pixel 10 devices.

Another issue resolved by the update relates to problems accessing locally cached content. Some users were unable to open offline media files or maps after upgrading directly from Android 14 or earlier versions to Android 16, and this update is said to correct that behaviour.