Google patches critical Pixel vulnerability: Pixel 8 and newer owners urged to update now

Google has rolled out its August security update for Pixel smartphones, fixing a dangerous flaw in the video processor. The patch covers the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Pixel 10, Pixel 10a, and the foldable Pixel 10 lineup. Owners of these devices are advised to install the firmware promptly, as the bug could let malicious software gain root access to the system.

The Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerability carries a high severity rating. It allows an unauthorized app to expand its permissions to the system level, exposing protected parts of the operating system. As a result, attackers could read, modify, or steal sensitive data, and push malware beyond its sandboxed environment.

The update also addresses several other issues. On the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, graphics performance has been improved for the PowerVR DXT-48-1536 GPU built into the Tensor G5 chipset. Additionally, crashes in certain gaming apps have been fixed, along with a problem where the touch panel stopped responding to input — both bugs affected the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 owners will not receive the August update, as those devices have fallen off the support schedule. The Pixel 6a remains supported by Google until July next year, the Pixel 7 line until October 2027, and the Pixel 7a until May 2028. Meanwhile, Pixel 6 Pro users can still expect the September Pixel Feature Drop before support ends on October 1.

To install the update, go to Settings System Software updates and follow the on-screen instructions.