While waiting for Android 5.1.1, the Nexus 9 receives over-the-air update to 5.0.2 Lollipop

It’s not the software update Nexus 9 owners were expecting, but Google’s 9-inch tablet is now receiving a small (23.3MB) update to 5.0.2. It’s definitely surprising. A few days ago the Nexus 9 was the only Nexus Tablet that didn’t have Android 5.1.1 factory images posted by Google. This seemed to hint at something dire, but later a Googler mentioned on Google+ that Android 5.1.1 was, in fact, soon headed to the tablet, only delayed because of a few last minute bugs.

Buggy software isn’t fun and Lollipop has been plagued with them since the initial 5.0 rollout. So, waiting a little longer for a bug-free update was definitely in everyone’s best interest, no matter how frustrating. We know the Nexus 9 feels like the black sheep of the Nexus family and before you get too upset, it’s entirely possible 5.0.2 is simply a necessary pit stop on the road to to 5.1.1. If nothing else, this could mean that Android 5.1 update is even closer than ever.