Android Q beta finally arrives for the Google Pixel 3a / 3a XL (Updated)

Update: June 5, 2019 at 3:26 p.m. ET: The fourth Android Q developer preview rolled out on June 5 to the entire Pixel family, including the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. Find more details at the link below:

• Android Q Beta 4 now available; developers can start updating their apps
• Everything new in the fourth Android Q developer preview
• How to install Android Q Beta 4 on your phone — a step-by-step guide

Original article: May 13, 2019 at 5:09 a.m. ET: The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a owners won’t be able to download and install the Android Q beta for some weeks, it has emerged. According to the FAQ section of Google’s Android beta program webpage (via 9to5Google), the new devices won’t be eligible until June.

Google launched the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL last week at Google I/O alongside the Android Q beta 3. They went on sale soon after. The duo present an exciting opportunity for Android fans given their low price, great camera, and guaranteed access to Google’s Android Q beta. Fans hoping to get the latter up-and-running immediately will no doubt be disappointed by the wait, however.

We don’t know exactly when they’ll get access but it’s likely to be earlier in the month, rather than later. According to 9to5Google, Google is rolling out its next security patch on Monday, June 3, while the Android Q beta 4 is set to arrive in early June. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL support may roll out with one of these upcoming updates.

With all that being said, some users have been able to access the beta already — though in the case of our editor Justin Duino, this access was revoked soon after he installed it. This also had the side-effect of him being stranded on the Q beta with no way to roll back to Android Pie outside of manually flashing it.

If you want to check out Android Q and own a Pixel 3a or 3a XL, you can try your luck over at the dedicated Android Q beta page. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting until June.

For tips on how to install the Android Q beta 3 on your phone, hit the link.

More Pixel 3a coverage:

• Google Pixel 3a / 3a XL specs: Snapdragon 670, same great camera, and a headphone jack!
• Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL price and release date
• Google Pixel 3a phones lack free original quality Google Photos backups
• Google Nest Hub Max is a super-sized smart display with built-in Nest Cam
• Google Maps AR navigation is finally here (if you have a Pixel phone)