Google is warning the homeowners of current Pixel smartphones that upgrading to Android 13 might be everlasting – there might be no means for them to return to Android 12 or an earlier OS.

Particularly, should you personal a Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Professional, or the brand new Google Pixel 6a and improve to the newest working system, you received’t be capable to revert to an earlier model. So whereas Android 13 could now be accessible to put in, you would possibly need to suppose twice if you need to have the ability to downgrade to earlier Android working methods.

The warning appeared on Google’s Manufacturing facility Photos web page – a supply that allows older Android builds to be shortly put in on Google smartphones. Within the warning, Google says that “the Android 13 replace for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Professional, and the Pixel 6a comprises a bootloader replace that increments the anti-roll again model. After flashing an Android 13 construct on these units you will be unable to flash older Android 12 builds.”

Flashing right here is successfully one other wording for updating, so you possibly can learn that final half as saying that after updating your smartphone to Android 13, you possibly can’t return.

Except you may have a selected cause to downgrade there typically isn’t a must return to an older working system on any system – particularly should you’re involved about your digital security and need your apps to work. However with Google’s new change to how its updates work, Pixel homeowners would possibly need to take a little bit of care earlier than upgrading their OS.

Whereas this Android 13 launch ought to be steady – with the kinks having been ironed out due to months of beta testing – issues with working methods aren’t unusual. Simply take a look at Microsoft’s Home windows 11 – that working system has confronted no finish of issues that regularly sees customers opting to downgrade to older variations of Home windows.

That stated, when you have already upgraded to Android 13 there’s no must panic. Going forwards you simply would possibly need to wait a number of days earlier than downloading a brand new Android working system, to ensure there aren’t any main bugs that you simply’ll be caught with till Google fixes them.

It’s unclear why the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Professional, and Pixel 6a are distinctive amongst Google’s telephones in not permitting you to downgrade from Android 13, and it’s unclear if this limitation will have an effect on different Android 13-compatible units. We’ve reached out to Google to be taught extra, and we’ll replace this piece if we hear again.

When you’ve got Android 13 put in, take a look at this enjoyable easter egg that may fill your display screen with cats.