Many users are still actively interested in when their device will receive updating to Android 9, known under the code name Pie. Despite the release of newer versions of the operating system, it was the ninth version that became a turning point in interface design and the introduction of artificial intelligence algorithms for battery management. The answer to the question about the release date depends solely on the manufacturer of your smartphone and the model of the device.
Usually the distribution process OTA updates (Over-The-Air) takes from several weeks to several months after Google's official announcement. Owners of flagship models, such as Google Pixel or OnePlusget access first. Budget devices and mid-segment models often wait longer for release, as manufacturers need time to adapt the interface and drivers.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the chronology of firmware releases for various brands, explain how to check for an update manually, and consider the risks of installing unofficial builds. You will also find out why some devices may never receive this version of the system and what to do about it.
Official Android 9 release schedule for different brands
Google presented the final build Android 9 Pie back in August 2018. The first to receive the update were smartphones in the Pixelline, as well as devices from Essential, Nokia, Oppo, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi and OnePlus. However, mass distribution began much later. Each manufacturer sets its own schedule, which often stretches for six months or more.
Companies that use pure Android or minimally modified shells respond most quickly. For example, Nokia and Motorola are often among the leaders in the speed of updates among the mass market. Chinese brands, such as Xiaomi and Huaweirequire more time to test their heavy shells MIUI and EMUI on top of the new version of the system.
- 🚀 Google Pixel: received an update on the release day (August 2018).
- 📱 OnePlus 6 / 5T: the update became available in September-October 2018.
- 🔋 Samsung Galaxy S9 / Note 9: owners waited for a stable version until the beginning of 2019.
- 🛡️ Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S: the global version of the firmware was released at the end of 2018.
It is important to understand that Even within the same brand, dates can vary greatly. The current year's flagships always take precedence over previous years' models. If your phone was released a year before Android 9 was announced, your chances of receiving the update are high. For older models, support is often discontinued.
⚠️ Attention: Official update release dates may be delayed due to critical security bugs discovered. Always check the information in the official support communities for your brand, as plans may change dynamically.
Below is a table showing the approximate release dates for stable versions for popular smartphone lines of that period.
| Brand | Model | Update status | Approximate release period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy S8 / S9 | Released | January - March 2019 |
| Huawei | P20 / P20 Pro | Released | December 2018 |
| Xiaomi | Mi 8 / Mi Mix 2S | Released | November 2018 |
| Sony | Xperia XZ2 | Released | October 2018 |
How to check for an update on smartphone
Often users do not know that the system is ready for installation, because they do not know where to look for the check button. The process may not be obvious, especially if the device has a custom skin installed. The standard path for most devices is in the section Settings.
First, you need to open the main menu and find the item responsible for the system. Depending on the version of the interface, it may be called differently. On pure Android this is usually System, and on Samsung devices - General or About phone.
☑️ Check updates
After entering the update menu, the system automatically will contact the manufacturer's server. If Android 9 updateis available for your model, you will be prompted to download the package. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi as the data volume may exceed 1.5 GB.
Sometimes the update does not arrive immediately. This is due to staged rollout, when the manufacturer releases firmware to a small group of users in order to identify bugs. If you don't want to wait your turn, you can try clearing the update service cache.
How to reset the update service
Go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes. Find Google Play Services or Update Downloader. Click Storage → Clear cache. After a reboot, the check may be more successful.
Why the update does not arrive: the main reasons
The situation when the official website states the presence of firmware, but the device does not have it, occurs very often. The first and most common reason is regional binding. Firmware is released for specific regions (CIS, Europe, Asia), and installation of the European version on a device intended for China may be blocked.
The second important factor is the presence of root access or an unlocked bootloader. If you have previously modified the system, the software integrity checker may be blocking the installation of official updates. In this case, the system needs to return to the stock state.
- 🌍 Regional blocking: the device is locked to the telecom operator.
- 🔓 System modifications: having superuser rights.
- 💾 Lack of memory: required for installation free space (usually 3-4 GB).
It is also worth considering the age of the device. Manufacturers guarantee support for a certain time, usually 2-3 years for flagships and 1-2 years for budget products. If your phone is many years old, it may have fallen off the list of supported devices.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to force install the firmware if you are not sure of the compatibility of the model. Using an inappropriate file may result in a “bricked” device that cannot be restored programmatically.
The main reason for the lack of updates is the end of the device manufacturer's support period or regional firmware restrictions.
Manual installation of Android 9 via a computer
If automatic updating does not work, you can use the manual method. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer via a USB cable and using special software provided by the manufacturer. For Samsung this is the app Odin i Smart Switch, for Xiaomi - Mi Flash Tool.
Before starting the procedure, you must make a complete backup copy of your data. The process of manual firmware often involves completely clearing the internal memory of the device. Save contacts, photos and documents to external media or cloud storage.
adb reboot bootloaderThis command, entered through a computer in USB debugging mode, will put the device into bootloader mode. Next, you should select the firmware file that matches your model and region. Files usually have the extension .zip or .tar.
Use the original USB cable and USB 3.0 port on your computer. Poor contact or low transfer speed may cause an error when writing system files, resulting in a failure.
The installation process may take 5 to 15 minutes. During this time, you must not disconnect the cable or interrupt the app. After completion, the device will reboot, and the initial setup will take longer than usual, as the system will optimize applications.
Interface features and new functions of Android 9
The transition to Android 9 brought not just bug fixes, but also significant changes in the logic of the interface. The main innovation was gesture navigation, which replaced traditional buttons. A swipe up from the bottom now opens a menu of running applications, and a long press brings up Google Assistant.
A feature Digital Wellbeing (Digital Wellbeing) has also been introduced, allowing you to track time spent in applications and limit phone use. This was Google's response to the growing concern about smartphone addiction.
System fonts have become more readable, and colors have become more saturated. There is now support for screen cutouts (notch), which was critical for devices produced in 2018-2019. Battery management has become smarter: the system analyzes your habits and limits the background activity of rarely used applications.
New APIs were opened for developers, which made it possible to create more adaptive applications. Support for HDR VP9 video and audio codec Opus has improved the multimedia capabilities of the device without the need to install third-party software.
Risks of installing custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If the official update for your device has not been released, enthusiasts often turn to custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This allows you to get Android 9 even on older smartphones, but carries serious risks.
The first risk is loss of warranty. Any interference with the app code and unlocking the bootloader will void the manufacturer's warranty. The second risk is security. Unofficial builds may contain vulnerabilities or malicious code if you downloaded them from an unverified source.
- 📉 Instability: The camera, NFC or Bluetooth may not work.
- 🔒 Security: Banking applications may refuse to work due to security checks.
- ⚡ Autonomy: battery optimization in custom is often worse than in stock.
Installing custom firmware requires strict adherence to instructions on specialized forums such as w3bsit3-dns.com or XDA Developers. An error at any stage can lead to the device not working.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party software is performed entirely at your own peril and risk. We are not responsible for possible damage to the device or loss of data as a result of such actions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I update my phone to Android 9 if it is not officially supported?
Only by installation custom firmware (Custom ROM). This requires unlocking the bootloader, technical skills and carries the risk of losing the warranty and unstable operation of the device.
How much space is needed to update to Android 9?
It is recommended to have at least 3-4 GB of free internal memory. The system needs space to download the package, unpack it, and temporary files during the installation process.
Is data lost after a system update?
When updating over the air (OTA), the data is usually saved. However, when manually flashing or switching between different versions of Android (for example, from 8 to 9), a full reset is often required, so a backup copy is required.
Why is the update downloaded very slowly?
The speed depends on the load on the manufacturer’s servers and the quality of your Internet connection. It is best to download at night via a stable Wi-Fi channel.