The “January 2024 Google Play system update” isn’t the usual OTA system update but is a Project Mainline or APEX module. These take core system components and wrap them up into easily distributable packaging where they can be delivered via the Play Store, much like an app, but with way more permissions (only Google can make Play system updates). Google posts release notes for Play system updates, and there’s nothing in the January 2024 update that jumps out as the potential cause of a storage access problem. You can check your current version on a Pixel phone by going to Settings, Security & Privacy, then “System & updates.” At the bottom, you’ll see a month and year for your “Google Play system update” level. DO NOT tap on this section because that will bring up the update screen.
Well, looks like I’m avoiding updates on my Pixel 8 for a while.
Exactly why I don’t use Android anymore. Google cannot be trusted.
Unlike apple, who can totally be trusted.
Never said I trust them. I ran Android for over a decade. This stuff constantly happened and I finally gave up giving Google second chances. Just need a phone that is reliable.
All software has bugs. At least on Android you have the option of switching to a different distro.