Latest Verizon Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL update enables eSIM support

Update, April 17, 2019 (11:50 AM ET): The April security patch began rolling out to Pixel 4 devices a couple of weeks ago, but another small update just landed on Verizon variants. The update enables Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL devices to take advantage of eSIM functionality. That means these carrier devices now support Dual SIM, Dual Standby (DSDS), allowing them to receive calls and texts from a secondary digital SIM. Unfortunately, the eSIM cannot take advantage of data while a physical SIM is in use.

Verizon also mentions the update includes the latest security patch and system enhancements, but it doesn’t explain them further. If you want to give eSIM functionality a try, the carrier lays out how to enable it on Pixel 4 devices here and Pixel 4 XL devices here.

Welcome to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Android update hub. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the latest Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL updates, including which version they’re currently at and when future updates are likely to arrive. (Note: The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL usually receive their updates at the same time.)

Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL updates

• Current stable version: Android 10
• When will the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL get Android 11? September 2020 (estimated)

The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL launched earlier this year with Android 10, the latest version of Android. They are expected to receive three major updates in their lifetime in accordance with Google’s smartphone update policy.

Google tends to update its Pixel phones with the latest Android version on the day it first becomes available. That means the Pixel 4 and 4 XL should see Android 11 as soon as the final version rolls out. It’s expected around September of 2020.

Recent updates

• April, 2020: Google released the April 2020 security patch on schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It only addressed three issues on top of the usual security patches, but Google also released the new “Eyes Open” face unlock feature in this update. Interestingly, the change was not listed in the official patch changelog.
• March, 2020: Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL device owners saw the second Pixel Feature Drop land in March. The update introduced new features to most Google Pixel devices, and the Pixel 4’s included new soli music control gestures, expanded crash detection support, scheduled Dark Theme functionality, and much more. Check out the full list here.
• February, 2020: Google also released the February security patch right on time, though the update was fairly small. Despite this, several critical issues saw fixes this time around. This included camera, NFC, and device boot issues. 
• January, 2020: In early January 2020, Pixel 4 devices received the month’s security update that patched several issues ranging from high to critical. The update also introduced a few other small patches, smooth display support in WeChat, and joint bug fixes from the December 2019 security patch since many device owners never received it.
• December, 2019: Google’s December 2019 update made its way to Pixel 4 users around the world at the end of the month, and it introduced e-SIM support on T-Mobile, dual-frequency GPS, and improvements to Face Unlock. Pixel 4 devices should now deliver more accurate location tracking and face unlock functionality should improve the more you use it.
• December, 2019: The company also announced that in an upcoming update, Google Pixel 4 users in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and Australia will get an update to the new Google Assistant. Unfortunately, the new Assistant is still only available in English, and it won’t work if you have a G Suite account on your phone.
• December, 2019: Google is bringing new features to the Pixel 4 and 4 XL in upcoming “feature drops.” Pixel devices already get regular bug fixes and general improvements, but these new feature drops will bring more content and tools to your device. The first one brings general performance enhancements, and it comes with new photo editing tools, enhanced Call Screening, and improved Duo calls.
• November, 2019: The November Pixel 4 update fixed some software issues with camera white balance, as well as some enhancements to the phones’ 90Hz displays.

Looking for another device update? Head to our general Android 10 update tracker at the link. If you’ve spotted an OTA we haven’t, tip us!