Google released the January security patch for its compatible Nexus and Pixel devices earlier today and has also made the relevant factory images available for download on its website. The Security bulletin has also been updated to provide details on the various bugs and exploits fixed in this patch.
The OTA update is yet to be rolled out by Google but that should go live before the end of this week. In case you are thinking of sideloading the update on your device though, you’d better wait. Many Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners have complained about their device slowing down and lagging after sideloading the January security patch. Some Nexus 6P and original Pixel owners are also reporting similar performance issues after sideloading the January security patch. Due to the lag, the first boot after the installation takes a long time. The overall system performance is also heavily affected, with app loading times increasing by a notable margin. A simple fix for this problem is to reboot your Pixel/Nexus device again which should solve all such lag issues. Google has confirmed to 9to5Google that sideloading the January security patch will lead to such lag issues and users who install the update via OTA should not be affected by this. The update does not seem to fix other issues currently plaguing the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL including slow fingerprint scanner performance, low microphone sound in apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, and more.
