Google push updates to individual phones

[deleted]

https://9to5google.com/2021/12/23/pixel-6-connectivity-fix-testing/

In this article, it says Google wanted to push an update to that specific users phone, but needed their IMEI to do it.

What functionality allows google to push an update to an individual device only? Is this some functionality of Google Play?

Thanks

treequell

[deleted]

It's not quite clear to me whether you are asking about stock Android or GrapheneOS.

intelligence

Wouldn't that require Google Play Services to be privileged like on stock Android? As Google Play Services is likely not installed on GrapheneOS devices, or if it's, within the normal app sandbox, I'm not sure this would be possible.

intelligence

The process that queries for the update to google includes device identifiers like IMEI.

intelligence

treequell Google doesn't provide updates for grapheneos, so none of that applies.

[deleted]

Your Pixel's IMEI is not a secret for instance for your carrier.

I can even make an assumption that most of the e-ID and mobile payments enthusiasts paid for their Pixels electronically. So, many actors know their IMEI number. LOL

As far as I know you can change IMEI number on PinePhone.

[deleted]

I guess this was more of a general pixel question that could be running Stock OS which is why I chose off-topic. Assuming running stock OS would it be possible for google to push any APK they want to your phone?

[deleted]

[deleted] assuming you run stock OS I believe this is possible and highly probable as I have found out in the past when OS during system update installed apps I haven't called for or it will simply brute force you into installing apps during normal running for "better user experience".

intelligence

[deleted] You were talking about an update, but now you're talking about installing a program, that's a different topic.

Yes, they could direct a specific phone to install a specific update. Yes, if their binary spyware is installed as intended (not as it is limited within grapheneos), then they could forcibly install anything they like.