Android 9.0 Pie is rolling out right now to the Essential Phone

Update #2: Okay, we weren’t crazy. Essential noted on Twitter that the Essential Phone’s Android Pie update does include the August 2018 security patch, but the company just forgot to update the security patch string. It will be corrected in the next release.

Update #1: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Android Pie update included the August 2018 security patch. That is not the case — the Essential Phone is still running the July 2018 patch. We regret the error and have update the post.

When Google releases new versions of Android, the conversation quickly switches over to fragmentation and how smartphone owners will likely not see the update for weeks, months, or even a year. But with Android 9.0 Pie, Essential has proven that this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case as the company is already rolling out the firmware update to the Essential Phone.

Throughout the entire Android P Beta Program, Essential has done a great job at rolling out updates within hours of Google releasing them. While other smartphone manufacturers in the program typically got updates out within several days, Essential was always on top of things.

Once Android Pie is installed on the Essential Phone, users will notice several changes. These include an adaptive battery feature, a new gesture-based navigation option, a new Material theme in the quick settings and settings menu, and much more.

Unfortunately, Essential has had several financial setbacks as of late, and the future of the company is unclear. While Essential has stopped working on a second smartphone, it’s clear that the company is keeping its focus on making its current customers happy.

If you have an Essential Phone, head into the Settings menu and search for an update. The company didn’t release any timetable, but users should start seeing the option to update to Android Pie sometime today.