Google unveils repair manuals and factory images for Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Top 3 Key Points:
- Repair Manuals Released: Google has released detailed repair guides for the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- Factory Images Available: Android 14 factory images for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are now accessible ahead of its launch.
- New Codename Convention: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is codenamed “comet,” marking a possible shift in Google’s naming strategy.
In December, Google began offering Pixel repair manuals in English, expanding from the initial French-only versions. Now, repair guides for the Pixel 9 series, including the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are available for users.
The teardown of the Pixel 9 Pro XL highlighted some tricky aspects, such as screws hidden behind tape. The newly released repair manuals help users navigate these challenges, providing clear instructions for opening and closing the devices. The guides include detailed flowcharts for disassembly and reassembly, considering the dual-entry design of these phones. However, some basic repair knowledge might still be needed to follow along effectively.
An interesting point noted in the manuals is that the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Fold do not require UDFPS (Under Display Fingerprint Sensor) calibration.
The Pixel 9 Pro repair manual spans 272 pages, while the one for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is even more detailed, covering 340 pages. Manuals for older models, dating back to the Pixel 5a, are also available, alongside documentation for the Pixel Tablet. Last year, Google introduced the Pixel Diagnostic App, accessible via a specific code entered in the phone’s dialer, which supports these expanded repair guides.
In another update, Google released Android 14 factory images for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a full week before its official launch. The device will be available in stores starting September 4. These factory images are crucial for restoring a device’s software to its original state if needed. Google advises that sideloading the full OTA image is generally safer and easier, and those are also available now.
There are three builds for the foldable:
- 14.0.0 (AD1A.240530.030, Aug 2024)
- 14.0.0 (AD1A.240530.030.A1, Aug 2024, India only)
- 14.0.0 (AD1A.240530.047, Aug 2024)
The factory images confirm that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is codenamed “comet.” This codename is unique compared to others in the Pixel 9 lineup, such as “tokay” for the Pixel 9, “caiman” for the Pixel 9 Pro, and “komodo” for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Unlike previous generations, where codenames followed a theme—like reptiles or big cats—this year’s foldable phone is named after a comet, possibly hinting at a new naming convention for foldable devices.
Looking ahead, Google is expected to release Android 15 Beta 4.2 for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and re-release it for the Pixel 9 Pro in the coming week.