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There was no single January update for every mobile phone. In January 2026, Google began a phased update for supported Pixel devices, Samsung published its monthly security maintenance package, Android’s QPR3 Beta 2 remained a separate beta-track release, and Apple released software for a defined group of older iPhones and iPads. Whether an update is available depends on your exact model and, in some cases, carrier, region and rollout timing.
Google Pixel: January 2026 update began rolling out January 12
Google announced on January 12, 2026, that it had started the monthly software rollout for January. Supported Pixel devices running Android 16 were to receive it in phases over the following week, with timing depending on carrier and device. That is a rollout window, not a guarantee that every eligible phone received the update on January 12. Google’s Pixel update announcement lists software versions by device; check the entry for your exact model rather than applying one build number to the whole Pixel range.
The Android Open Source Project’s January Pixel bulletin is dated January 12 and records a security patch level of 2026-01-05. These dates describe different things: the patch-level designation is not the date every phone downloaded or installed the update.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 was a separate beta release
Android’s release notes identify Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 as a January 2026 release. Quarterly Platform Releases are a distinct Android release track; Google describes them as quarterly releases delivered to AOSP and Pixel devices as Feature Drops. Beta 2 should not be read as a stable update for all Android phones, or as evidence that other manufacturers distributed QPR3 to their devices in January.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Samsung: January Security Maintenance Release
Samsung’s January 2026 Security Maintenance Release (SMR) combines Google and Samsung security patches for major flagship models. Samsung’s package listing includes the Google vulnerabilities CVE-2024-43859 and CVE-2025-54957, both identified there as critical. Those are the two Google critical CVEs listed for this package; they are not a total of every issue addressed across Samsung devices or Android.
Samsung says SMR delivery timing can vary by device version, model or service version. Its security updates page provides the package information, but a listing does not establish that every Galaxy model received the firmware in January. Samsung also published a separate January application security update on January 6, 2026. App-level fixes and resolved app versions are distinct from a phone’s firmware rollout.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Apple: updates for specified older devices
Apple lists iOS 16.7.13 and iPadOS 16.7.13 as released on January 26, 2026, for the following devices:
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- iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
Apple’s security releases page lists no published CVE entries for these versions. That means the page provides no CVE entries for this release; it does not establish that the update contained no security work.
Rank #3
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
How to check whether your device has the update
- Identify the exact model. Use the phone or tablet’s About screen, then compare that model with the manufacturer’s eligibility or release notice.
- Check the device’s system update screen. On Pixel, open Settings > System > Software updates. On Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Software update > Download and install. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Compare the displayed build or version with the notice for that model. Do not use a build listed for another device as evidence that yours has the same package.
- If no update appears, check again later. Staged delivery means an announced release may not yet be offered to every eligible device; carrier, region and model can affect timing.
Why “the January update” means different things
January can refer to a bulletin’s publication date, a security patch level, a staged rollout, or a beta release. Google’s Pixel bulletin publication date was January 12, while its patch-level label was 2026-01-05; Google’s device rollout began January 12 and continued in phases. Samsung’s SMR is a vendor security package with variable delivery, while Android QPR3 Beta 2 is a beta-track release. Apple’s January release applied to the named older devices, not all Apple hardware.
For availability, the useful evidence is the notice for your exact device and the update offered in its settings—not the month name or platform family alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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