Surprise update brings VoLTE support to the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL

Both the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL were launched back in 2018, meaning that they are four years old now and way past any promised Android updates. In fact, the last update the phone received was back in February earlier this year, but it turns out that Google has one last surprise update for the phones.

In the latest and surprising update, Google has actually introduced support for VoLTE on both phones. Keep in mind that based on the build number of the updates found on Google’s website, this is still based on the initial Android 12 update which means that apart from VoLTE support, nothing new has been added.

That being said, while nothing new was added, the support for VoLTE is a big deal. This is because as carriers start to shutdown their 2G and 3G networks, giving users the option to make calls over LTE means that users with older phones will still be able to get some use out of them, as opposed to becoming expensive bricks. Google confirmed this change with 9to5Google in a statement that reads:

“In June 2022, Google released a software update that enabled VoLTE roaming for many U.S. and global carriers. This allows many Pixel devices to roam in the U.S. with VoLTE, if your carrier supports VoLTE roaming. Contact your carrier for more information.”

For users who are interested in downloading the update, the factory images are available from Google’s website in two versions – one global build and another that caters towards specific carriers.

Pixel 3

• 12.0.0 (SP1A.210812.016.C2)
• 12.0.0 (SP1A.210812.016.B2) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU

Pixel 3 XL

• 12.0.0 (SP1A.210812.016.C2)
• 12.0.0 (SP1A.210812.016.B2) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU

Source: 9to5Google