Overview
- Google has started deploying the May 2025 security update for Pixel devices, which features a bootloader with an updated anti-rollback threshold on specific models. This means that users cannot downgrade to previous firmware once the update is applied.
- The anti-rollback functionality enhances security by preventing the exploitation of older vulnerabilities, likely including recently addressed zero-day exploits. Additionally, the update resolves issues with microphone performance, Bluetooth connectivity, and language display.
- The phased rollout of the update begins with Pixel 6 models and newer, but it does not yet address the delayed notifications issue that arose from the April 2025 update.
Google has initiated the rollout of the Android 15-based May 2025 security patches to all compatible Pixel devices, including phones, tablets, and foldables. While the changelog is relatively straightforward, a significant change is the updated bootloader, which introduces a new anti-rollback threshold on some models, barring users from reverting to earlier firmware.
The company has confirmed that the update, which has a build number of BP1A.250505.005, is being gradually distributed to all eligible devices, from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9a, over the next week. According to Google’s release notes, improvements have been made to microphone quality, Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches, and the incorrect display of secondary language in quick settings.
The May 2025 update addresses several bugs and enhancements for Pixel users—details are as follows:
- Improvement in microphone recording quality in specific applications.
- Resolved Bluetooth pairing issues with select smartwatches under certain conditions.
- Correction of secondary language display issues in quick settings under certain scenarios.
Unfortunately, the update does not mention a fix for the delayed notifications bug that many Pixel users have encountered since the rollout of the April 2025 update. Further testing of the new version will be necessary to determine if this problem has been rectified.
Security Enhancements and Anti-Rollback Measures
Google’s factory images page indicates that this update raises the anti-rollback version for bootloaders on the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 6a, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 8a, effectively preventing users from reverting to previous, potentially vulnerable bootloader versions. After applying the May 2025 update to these devices, flashing and booting older Android 15 builds will no longer be possible.
This precaution is designed to stop malicious actors from reverting to older firmware, thereby exploiting recently fixed vulnerabilities. Google cited two zero-day exploits—CVE-2024-53197 and CVE-2024-53150—patched in the previous month’s security update, reinforcing the importance of these anti-rollback measures.
Availability of the Update
This update will be accessible to all Pixel devices released since 2021, from the Pixel 6 series to the latest models. Although the rollout starts today, it may take up to a week for all users to receive it, depending on their device and carrier. To check for the update, navigate to Settings → System → Software updates → System update and select Check for updates.
