October Security Patch Released For Essential PH-1, Nexus 5X/6P, Pixel/XL & Pixel 2/XL

October is here, and the security patch for the month is now up. The Android Security Bulletin has been updated with information about the patch. There are fixes for 23 issues in the patch dated 2018-10-01, and an additional three fixes in the 2018-10-05 patch. The vulnerabilities addressed with these patches range from high to critical, with the most severe being related to the media framework. Google notes that it isn't aware of any device being affected by the addressed issues.

The October security patch is rolling out the Essential PH-1, the Pixel, the Pixel XL, the Pixel 2, and the Pixel 2 XL. The build numbers for the updates are given below:

• Nexus 6P (Oreo 8.1) — OPM7.181005.003
• Nexus 5X (Oreo 8.1) — OPM7.181005.003
• Pixel (Pie 9) — PPR2.181005.003, PPR1.181005.003 (Telus)
• Pixel XL (Pie 9) — PPR2.181005.003, PPR1.181005.003 (Telus)
• Pixel 2 (Pie 9) — PPR2.181005.003
• Pixel 2 XL (Pie 9) — PPR2.181005.003
• Pixel C (Oreo 8.1) — OPM8.181005.003
• Essential PH-1 (Pie 9) — PPR1.180905.036

In addition to addressing the security issues mentioned above, the October security patch also improves the functionality of the Pixel/XL and the Pixel 2/XL. A charging issue bothering the original Pixel and Pixel XL owners has been fixed. The issue caused fast charging to not work even when a certified fast charger was being used. Additionally, there are improvements to the stability of Android Auto, and performance of media playback.

Guess what's back. Back again. Essential notch support is back. Tell a friend.

You asked. We listened. Notch support returns in this release. pic.twitter.com/rXHpoO1dP3

— Essential (@essential) October 1, 2018

The October security update for the Essential PH-1 brings back the notch settings which weren't present in the initial Pie update. The notch settings allow the user to decide how apps will make use of the notch area. There are three options which are self-explanatory: 'Controlled by application', 'Always use notch area', and 'Never use notch area'. For more information on how to use these settings, check out our article here.

Both Essential and Google have posted OTA and system images for the October update. The OTA images for Pixel and Nexus devices can be found here, and the factory images here. The OTA and factory images for the PH-1 are available on Essential's website.

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.