In a notable departure from nearly a decade of routine, July 2025 marks the first month since August 2015 that Google has not released any security updates for Android devices. This pause in the monthly update cycle is unprecedented and has drawn attention from both industry experts and the broader Android community.
A Decade of Consistent Security
Google’s monthly Android security update program began in August 2015, setting a new standard for mobile device security. These regular updates were designed to address vulnerabilities in the Android operating system and related platforms, including Pixel smartphones, Android Automotive OS, and Wear OS. The initiative has been widely credited with improving the overall security posture of the Android ecosystem, providing users and manufacturers with timely fixes for newly discovered threats.
What Changed in July 2025?
For the first time in almost ten years, Google’s July 2025 security bulletins for Android, Pixel, Automotive OS, and Wear OS all stated that there were no new security patches to distribute this month. Google did not provide a public explanation for the absence of updates.
This break in the monthly cadence is particularly striking given the program’s previous consistency. From August 2015 through June 2025, Google had not missed a single month, regardless of the volume or severity of vulnerabilities reported.
Implications for Security
The absence of a security update does not imply that Android is free from vulnerabilities. In fact, third-party vendors such as Qualcomm have issued their own security advisories this month, including a critical GPS vulnerability (CVE-2025-21450) that underscores the ongoing need for vigilance.
Google continues to recommend that users upgrade to the latest version of Android whenever possible, as newer versions offer enhanced security protections. Devices running Android 13 or newer are considered best protected, while older versions may not receive backported fixes for emerging threats.
Looking Ahead
The reasons behind this month’s pause remain unclear. It is possible that no qualifying vulnerabilities were discovered or ready for release, or that coordination with third-party vendors affected the timing of this month’s updates
