Google releases factory, OTA images for second Pixel December 2025 update - 9to5Google
Google Releases Second December 2025 Update for Pixel Phones
In a surprise move, Google has begun rolling out a second December 2025 update for its Pixel phones. The update is now available in factory and Over-The-Air (OTA) images, allowing users to manually install it on their devices.
What's New in the Second December 2025 Update?
Although the article does not provide an exhaustive list of changes, we can infer that this out-of-cycle update likely includes a series of bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. Given Google's typical release schedule, it is possible that this update addresses some of the issues that have been reported by Pixel users in recent weeks.
Why Out-of-Cycle Release?
Google has released several updates for its Pixel phones throughout December 2025, with the first update being rolled out in early December. However, it appears that this second update is being pushed to address some previously unknown issues or new problems that have arisen since the initial release.
Manual Installation Options
The fact that factory and OTA images are now available for manual installation means that users can choose to apply the update directly to their devices, rather than relying on Google's automated update process. This option is particularly useful for users who want more control over when and how their device receives updates.
Benefits of Manual Installation
Manual installation offers several benefits over relying on the automated update process. For one, it allows users to ensure that they are installing the most up-to-date version of the software, which can be particularly important for security-sensitive features like Android's Face Unlock or fingerprint scanning.
Additionally, manual installation gives users more flexibility when it comes to the timing and scheduling of updates. Users can choose to apply the update at any time, rather than waiting for Google to automatically push it out during a scheduled maintenance window.
Challenges and Considerations
However, there are also some challenges and considerations that come with manual installation. For one, users need to ensure that they have enough free storage space on their device to accommodate the update. Additionally, manual installation requires more technical expertise than relying on Google's automated process, which can be a barrier for some users.
Conclusion
The release of the second December 2025 update for Pixel phones represents an out-of-cycle effort by Google to address some previously unknown issues or new problems that have arisen since the initial release. With factory and OTA images now available for manual installation, users have more control over when and how their device receives updates.
While manual installation offers several benefits, it also requires more technical expertise and can be a barrier for some users. Nonetheless, this update is an important step in ensuring that Pixel devices remain secure and up-to-date, and we look forward to seeing what other features and improvements Google has in store for its users in the coming weeks and months.
Additional Information
- Update Details: The second December 2025 update includes a series of bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements.
- Manual Installation Options: Factory and OTA images are now available for manual installation.
- Benefits: Manual installation allows users to ensure they are installing the most up-to-date version of software, provides flexibility when it comes to timing and scheduling updates.
- Challenges: Requires more technical expertise than relying on Google's automated process, may require sufficient free storage space.
Future Updates
We can expect more updates to be rolled out for Pixel devices in the coming weeks and months. With new features and improvements being added all the time, users should stay tuned for further announcements from Google about upcoming software releases.
Best Practices for Manual Installation
To ensure a smooth manual installation experience:
- Backup your data: Before installing any update, make sure to backup your important files and data.
- Check compatibility: Ensure that your device is compatible with the update and can accommodate it without any issues.
- Follow instructions carefully: Read through the installation instructions carefully and follow them step by step.
By following these best practices and staying informed about upcoming updates, users can ensure that their Pixel devices remain secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly.