Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

(Update 2: more factory images) Google rolls out April 2016’s security patch

Google has just started rolling out April's security patch to Nexus devices resolving several security concerns.
By
April 12, 2016
Google-Logo-Angle1

Update, April 14: Factory images for the Nexus 6, Nexus Player, Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi, Nexus 9 WiFi, and Pixel C have been uploaded (via Android Police):

Update, April 5: New factory images are available for several Nexus devices:

Factory images for the Nexus Player, Nexus 7 (2013) WiFi, and Nexus 9 WiFi were posted briefly and then removed. We expect them to return soon and we’ll update as soon as that happens.

Original post, April 4: With mobile security ever becoming more and more of a concern, Google has vowed to release security patches every month to help keep Android smartphones safe and secure from even the most innovative vulnerability exploiters. Following suit, folks like Verizon and Samsung made similar vows to ensure equal levels of security on their devices. Traditionally, Google has released their patches at the beginning of each month with other companies following close behind, but for April, both Verizon and Samsung beat Google to the punch by rolling out security updates to the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge at the end of last week.

Google updates Play Store terms to tackle inappropriate ads and apps
News

Now this newest security boost will be arriving on the Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 7 (2013 WiFi and LTE), Nexus 9 (WiFi and LTE), Nexus 10, the Nexus Player, as well as the Pixel C. Last month saw a number of critical vulnerabilities come into light, and Google had mentioned that there might be a second update pushed out in March. It looks like they decided to just hold out for the April rollout, however, as the changes that we were expecting with that secondary update are included in this one. 6 critical issues have been resolved, as well as 13 high priority issues that had some security experts concerned.

Samsung-Galaxy-S7-vs-Nexus-6P-1

To check out the full rundown on everything included in this update, head on over to the Android Security Bulletin for a comprehensive rundown. If you’re not all that interested in the nuts and bolts, then just rest assured that Android is continuing to get more secure on a monthly basis. If you’ve got an opinion about this particular update, don’t hesitate to let us know your take in the comments below. As always, stay tuned to Android Authority for all the updates slated for your device and others.

Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge vs Nexus 6P
Features