Will Pixel 4a receive the Android 14 update? Here's everything we know

Here’s the crux of the article in video form

Android 14 first developer preview has just been made available with a number of improved functions and changes.

So far, the early baseline builds have been released for various Google Pixel devices including Pixel 4a (5G), 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, and so on. The final stable release of Android 14 is expected to arrive in August or September.

However, Google decided to skip the developer preview for Pixel 4a devices without any further information. This surely isn’t sitting well with owners of the device.

Do note that there are still 8 months of active support left for the Pixel 4a (5G) and that shows it will continue to get updates until November 4, 2023. On the other hand, Pixel 4a just has six months left.

This should explain why the 5G version will bag the update to Android 14. However, Google still hasn’t said anything about the 4G variant.

Will Pixel 4a receive the Android 14 update?

Sadly, there is the slightest chance that Android 14 will probably not be released for the regular Pixel 4a considering it is anticipated to come out in August or September 2023.

But things are not so bad as some developers have begun testing unofficial builds for Pixel 4a, 4, and 5a.

Pixel 4a (sunfish)
System boots with no issue whatsoever, interesting to note the change from flame here.
Device features seem to all work as intended on this Pixel 5a image.
Source

Apart from this, one of the Redditors pointed out that the estimated end date for Linux kernel 4.14 support on Pixel 4a is January 2024. So there is a possibility that it might receive a lot of unofficial support.

I just checked my documentation, support for Linux kernel version 4.14 LTS (the one the 4a runs) is expected to end in January 2024. There should be no problem in supporting A13/AOSP until then at least. Need to check with some XDA dev buddies about the strategy for future builds for the 4a.
Source

Also, let’s not forget that the 4a was released with Android 10 and has already received Android 11, 12, and 13 (significant OS updates). So accordingly, it has received ample updates as per Google’s current OS upgrade policy.

Even if the company decides to release Android 14 for the Pixel 4a, it will become the first Pixel device to receive four OS updates.

This will undoubtedly signal the beginning of a new Google policy that will enable it to compete with Samsung, OnePlus, and Oppo.

Note: Do check out our Pixel Android 14 updates and bugs tracker for more related information.

Inline image source: Android Developers

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