Key Takeaways
1. The February 2026 update for Pixel devices focuses mainly on security, with a key fix for a serious flaw in the VPU driver (CVE-2026-0106).
2. Users are advised to upgrade their Pixel devices to the 2026-02-05 patch level to address security issues.
3. The February update is being rolled out for Pixel 7a and newer models, including the Pixel Tablet and original Pixel Fold.
4. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series are not included in this update, raising speculation about a possible shift to a quarterly update schedule for older models.
5. Updates for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices may arrive later due to Google’s staggered rollout process and carrier approvals.
Google’s February 2026 update for Pixel devices is mostly focused on security, with the Pixel Update Bulletin highlighting a single Pixel-specific fix: a serious elevation-of-privilege flaw in the VPU driver (CVE-2026-0106).
Patch Level Update
The bulletin indicates that users should upgrade their Pixel devices to the 2026-02-05 patch level to resolve the issues mentioned, as well as those found in the wider Android Security Bulletin for February 2026.
Rollout Details
As per the rollout notes, the February 2026 build family (BP4A.260205) is being released for the Pixel 7a and newer models, including the Pixel Tablet and the original Pixel Fold. There are several build variations based on the device model and region.
Missing Devices
However, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series are not included in this update. Devices such as the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro are conspicuously absent from the February rollout, even though they are still part of Google’s support timeframe.
This absence has led to new theories that Google might be shifting older Pixel models away from a regular monthly update schedule, possibly moving towards quarterly or risk-based releases. Although Google hasn’t officially confirmed any changes in the update schedule, they did inform the media that Pixel phones will stay “security compliant” throughout their support periods by means of Pixel-specific fixes, Google Play system updates, and Android Security Bulletin updates.
Key Takeaway
Currently, the main point to note is that the list of Pixel-specific changes for February is notably brief, and some older devices are excluded from the official February update coverage.
If you own a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 and haven’t received an OTA update yet, it may arrive later due to Google’s staggered rollout and carrier approvals. Google’s guidance suggests that updates might be distributed gradually, which could take some time before reaching every single device.
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