As expected with it being the first Monday of the first full week of the month, Google has released the March 2018 Android Security Update patches for the Pixel lineup of phones as well as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The full factory images for those who want to side load them are available as well as the OTA updates. The automatic sending of the OTA updates should begin later this week for those that don’t want to bother with a side load.
As usual, there are two patches this month although there is also a second bulletin announcement regarding fixes specific to the Pixel 2 lineup. In the March 1, 2018 dated patch, there are a total of 16 fixes, 8 of which are considered critical. These fixes in the first patch deal with Android issues broadly and mostly have to do with media framework and system level issues that could allow for remote code execution.
The second patch with the data of March 5, 2018, is more device specific for the Pixel lineup and the Nexus lineup. These usually are driver level or component level fixes for those devices. In all, the second patch has 21 fixes implemented, three of which were considered critical. This patch also addresses some issues specific to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. These include:
- Improve screen wake performance with fingerprint unlock
- Improve audio performance when recording video
- Improve crash reporting
Like previous Android Security Update patches, the Nexus and Pixel devices will see the March 5th patch when it rolls out.
As for specific builds, here is what you can expect:
- Pixel 2 XL – OPM1.171019.021
- Pixel 2 – OPM1.171019.021
- Pixel XL – OPM1.171019.021
- Pixel – OPM1.171019.021
- Nexus 6P – OPM3.171019.016 or OPM3.171019.017 for Softbank
- Nexus 5X – OPM3.171019.016 or OPM3.171019.017 for Softbank and Telstra
