Google has announced the September Pixel Drop with new features and updates for supported Pixel devices. The update brings changes to Pixel VIP widgets, Scam Detection, Pause Point, Pixel Watch, and Harry Potter Audiobook Packs.
Pixel VIP updates
The September Pixel Drop introduces newly designed and expanded Pixel VIP widget options that provide quick access to VIP contacts from the home screen. The updated widgets include several ways to interact with VIP contacts and keep track of messages:
- Call or text VIP contacts with a single tap from the home screen.
- View notification badges for urgent or unread messages.
- Switch between VIP contacts using the bottom floating menu.
Scam Detection and Pause Point
Google is expanding Scam Detection with an integration directly into Gboard. When users start typing a response to a suspicious message, a “Likely scam” warning chip appears above the keys. Processing happens in real time and on the device, keeping conversations private to the user.
Scam Detection in notifications also flags suspicious incoming chat notifications with a “Likely scam” warning chip before users open them. The September Pixel Drop expands the feature to additional countries and languages, as detailed in the availability section below.
Pause Point helps reduce unintentional app use by adding a pause before users open a distracting app of their choice. This gives them a moment to decide whether they want to continue, and the feature was first introduced on Pixel 11.
Pixel Watch updates
For Pixel Watch users, the September Pixel Drop brings improvements to Raise to Talk and additional One Handed gesture app integrations. The update also includes other bug fixes.
Harry Potter Audiobook Packs
The September Pixel Drop adds Harry Potter Audiobook Packs for the release of Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions on Audible. With one tap, users can change their wallpaper, icons, and sounds with elements from the audiobooks.
Eligible Pixel users will also receive a two-month Audible free trial. The offer availability and eligible countries are listed below.
Rollout and availability
Pixel Drops are automatic software updates that send new and upgraded features to Pixel phones. Supported Pixel devices will receive the September update starting today, with the rollout continuing over the coming weeks in phases depending on the carrier and device.
Users will receive a notification when the system update becomes available. Google recommends updating to the latest Android version and updating apps.
The availability details for the September Pixel Drop include:
- Gboard Scam Detection: Starting in the U.S. on Pixel 6 and newer phones across favorite messaging apps. It is available only in select languages in the U.S. and is also available on other keyboards with Keyboard Suggestions.
- Notification Scam Detection: Previously available in the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, it is expanding to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
- New Scam Detection languages: Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, and Spanish.
- Pause Point: Rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer devices.
- Harry Potter Audiobook Packs: Available until December 31, 2026.
- Audible offer: Available until January 14, 2027, in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, and Australia.
Feature availability varies by model, country, and language.