The September Pixel Drop is here: 6 new features and updates you should know about
Google's September Pixel Drop is here, bringing Android 17 QPR1 to stable along with a handful of new features.
Google has launched the September 2026 Pixel Drop update, which includes several new features and improvements to existing apps. The most notable change is the redesign of the Pixel VIPs widget, allowing users to quickly call and text contacts with a single tap from the home screen. This replaces the previous process of opening the bottom sheet. Additionally, a new floating navigation overlay enables users to swipe the bottom of their screen to switch between their favorite contacts.
The Pixel VIPs widget now displays glanceable notification badges on the homescreen, providing users with quick updates on any new messages or notifications from their contacts. This redesigned widget is available for Pixel 6+ users across all regions and languages, provided they have version 2.0 of the Pixel VIPs app/service and Google Contacts 4.77 or higher installed.
In terms of safety, Google is expanding Scam Detection in Google Messages to new languages and regions. Users can now expect this feature in Google Messages for various languages, including Arabic, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Furthermore, In-App Scam Detection for third-party chat apps is being expanded. When users receive a message from a potential scam, a warning will appear in the Gboard suggestions row, with the option to tap "Likely scam" for more details.
To celebrate the release of Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, Google has released three new Pixel Themes featuring wallpapers, icons, and sounds tailored to the Harry Potter theme. Eligible Pixel users will also receive a two-month free trial of Audible as a bonus. Meanwhile, Pixel Watch 3 and 4 users can now scroll through their notification tray using a one-handed pinch gesture, a feature that has proven particularly convenient on the Pixel Watch 5.
Lastly, the Pixel Watch 4 has received an updated raise-to-talk model that improves the accuracy and performance of Gemini activation when users activate voice commands. Keep an eye on 9to5Google on YouTube for additional Pixel Drop news.
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