GrapheneOS now supports Pixel 9 series; leaked Pixel 9a images suggest design changes
Top 3 Key Points:
- GrapheneOS Support: The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL are now officially supported by GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused Android ROM.
- Pixel 9a Design Leak: New leaked images suggest the Pixel 9a may feature a flat design, removing the signature camera bar.
- Launch Timing: The Pixel 9a is rumored to be released by the end of this year, possibly with new color options.
With the Pixel 9 series just hitting the market, privacy-focused users will be pleased to know that GrapheneOS has already rolled out official support for the latest Google hardware. This third-party ROM is designed to offer a more private and secure Android experience and can now be installed on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
The GrapheneOS team announced on X (formerly Twitter) that these devices can be flashed with their custom ROM, making the installation process straightforward with their web installer. This user-friendly approach means that even those new to custom ROMs can get GrapheneOS running on their Pixel 9 series device with relative ease.
GrapheneOS is more than just a barebones operating system. It comes with alternative apps like the Vanadium Browser and various AOSP apps, along with security-focused features such as the Auditor app. The auditor acts as a digital security guard, using hardware features to verify the authenticity of your OS and ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
One of the standout features of GrapheneOS is its flexibility—it can be used with or without Google Play Services. This level of control, combined with the ability to sandbox apps, makes it a favorite among privacy-conscious users, including notable figures like Edward Snowden. While flashing a custom ROM might seem daunting, GrapheneOS offers one of the most accessible processes, making it an excellent choice for those new to the world of custom Android software.
The only minor issue reported so far with the Pixel 9 on GrapheneOS is related to Wi-Fi connectivity, although most users haven’t encountered any problems.
On the hardware front, a new leak has surfaced, potentially giving us a glimpse of the upcoming Pixel 9a. Images shared in a now-deleted post on a private Vietnamese Pixel fan group, later reposted by ShrimpApplePro on X, suggest that the Pixel 9a may diverge from the mainline Pixel 9 design. If accurate, the Pixel 9a could feature a flat design without the iconic camera bar found on the Pixel 9 series. Instead, it may sport a dual-camera setup with a glossy ring, similar to the rounded floating camera bar on the Pixel 9, but with a camera system that sits flush with the frame.
The leaked images also hint at a boxy aesthetic, flat side rail, and a repositioned SIM tray on the bottom bezel, aligning with the design language of the Pixel 9 series. The display edges appear more pronounced, and the backplate and side rails seem to have a matte finish.
While it’s still unclear when the Pixel 9a will be officially launched, rumors suggest it could arrive by the end of the year, possibly in up to four color options, including a silver variant. As with all leaks, it’s best to take this information with caution, but the Pixel 9a could represent a shift in design for Google’s A-series lineup.