Moto Z3 gets Android Pie update, along with 5G Moto Mod support (Update: Now rolling out)

Update, April 3, 2019 (12:08PM EST): Three months after Motorola announced Android 9 Pie for the Moto Z3, Verizon is finally rolling out the update to device owners.

As promised, the Pie update enables support for the $199.99 5G Moto Mod. Keep in mind that Verizon will turn on its 5G network in Chicago and Minneapolis April 11. Moto Z3 owners might want to wait until 5G is available in more areas for them to pick up the 5G Moto Mod.

In addition to 5G Moto Mod support, the Moto Z3’s Pie update also includes the March 2019 security patch.

Original article, January 23, 2019 (5:12AM EST): The Moto Z3 is one of the more polarizing smartphones of 2018, but Motorola is giving it some love anyway by pushing Android Pie to the device.

Motorola announced the update’s arrival on its support website, while also dishing out details on what it brings to the Moto Z3.

Some of the more prominent Android Pie additions include Adaptive Brightness, Adaptive Battery, gesture navigation, improved volume controls, a rotation key in the navigation bar, and a screenshot button in the power menu. Otherwise, you can also expect the January 2019 security patches.

There is one Moto-specific addition though, as the update enables support for the upcoming 5G Moto Mod. Motorola previously said the mod, which also packs a 2,000mAh battery, is slated for an early 2019 launch on Verizon’s network.

The fact that the update includes 5G Moto Mod support means we can’t be far away from its launch then. MWC seems like a likely venue for release, but we do wonder how much it will cost. The first 5G phones are tipped to be rather pricey in general, but an add-on is a different story. Nevertheless, current Moto Mods aren’t exactly cheap, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the 5G mod costs an arm and a leg.

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