Google’s Android Update Makes Pixel Just Like iPhone

Forbes - Feb 11th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Google and Apple have recently issued critical security updates addressing vulnerabilities in their respective smartphone ecosystems. Google warned of CVE-2024-53104, a vulnerability that affects video management, which was quickly patched for Pixel devices. Shortly after, Apple released its own update for CVE-2025-24200, describing it as a sophisticated attack that could disable USB Restricted Mode on locked devices. These updates underscore the ongoing challenges both companies face in protecting their devices from forensic data extraction tools used by law enforcement.

This development highlights a growing divergence within the Android ecosystem. While Pixel and iPhone users received timely protection, other Android manufacturers, like Samsung, lag in rolling out similar updates, exacerbating security risks for their users. This situation raises questions about update deployment efficiency, especially as smartphone prices soar. The incident calls for a reevaluation of how Android updates are managed across different OEMs, emphasizing the need for a more unified and rapid response to security threats.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and generally accurate overview of recent security updates from Google and Apple, highlighting important vulnerabilities and their implications for smartphone users. While it effectively communicates complex technical information in an accessible manner, its accuracy is somewhat undermined by a lack of detailed sourcing and transparency about certain claims. The narrative focuses primarily on the advantages for Pixel and iPhone users, which may introduce a slight imbalance. Despite these issues, the story addresses a topic of significant public interest and has the potential to influence discussions about smartphone security practices. Overall, the article is informative and relevant, though it could benefit from more thorough sourcing and a broader exploration of the implications for all smartphone users.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate depiction of recent security updates from both Google and Apple, citing specific vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-53104 and CVE-2025-24200. However, while the Android vulnerability is well-documented, the specific details of Apple's CVE-2025-24200 are less clear and may require further verification. The article accurately describes the nature of Android's vulnerability as related to video management issues, but it lacks precise details on the Apple vulnerability, which impacts the story's overall accuracy. The mention of forensic data extraction tools and the update processes for Android OEMs is consistent with known industry practices, adding to the story's credibility.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the implications for Pixel and iPhone users, potentially sidelining other perspectives within the smartphone ecosystem. It highlights the rapid response of Google and Apple but does not provide equal attention to other Android OEMs, particularly Samsung, beyond noting their slower update process. This creates a slight imbalance, as it doesn't fully explore the broader impact on other device users or the potential reasons behind the delayed updates from other manufacturers. The narrative leans towards emphasizing the advantages of owning a Pixel or iPhone, which may introduce a subtle bias.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear, using straightforward language to describe the security updates and their implications. It effectively explains technical concepts, such as USB Restricted Mode and forensic data extraction tools, in a way that is accessible to a general audience. However, the structure could be improved to enhance logical flow, as the narrative occasionally jumps between topics without clear transitions. The tone is neutral, but some sections could benefit from more precise language to avoid ambiguity, particularly when discussing the impact of the vulnerabilities.

5
Source quality

The article references Google and Apple's official updates, which are credible sources. However, it lacks direct citations from these companies or third-party security experts that could bolster its claims. The mention of GrapheneOS and Bleeping Computer adds some credibility, but the absence of direct quotes or detailed references from these sources weakens the overall reliability. The story would benefit from a more diverse array of authoritative sources to support its claims, particularly concerning the technical aspects of the vulnerabilities discussed.

4
Transparency

The article does not provide detailed methodology or sources for some of its claims, such as the specific nature of Apple's CVE-2025-24200 vulnerability. While it mentions updates and vulnerabilities, it lacks transparency about how these conclusions were reached or the sources of some technical details. The narrative could improve its transparency by clearly disclosing the basis for its claims and any potential limitations in the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/mobiles-tabs/google-pixel-phones-get-february-2025-update-with-bug-fixes-and-security-patches/articleshow/117974553.cms
  2. https://cyberscoop.com/android-security-update-february-2025/
  3. https://nordvpn.com/blog/ios-vs-android-security/
  4. https://thehackernews.com/2025/02/google-patches-47-android-security.html
  5. https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/i-can-t-decide-between-stock-google-pixel-vs-iphone/24392