How September’s Pixel Drop changes the way you call and message important contacts
The update lets you contact VIPs with a tap and adds scam protection.
The September 2026 Pixel Drop update brings a noteworthy feature that simplifies communication with your most frequently used contacts. Google's Pixel VIPs widget, introduced in June 2025, allowed users to store essential contacts for quick access through a multi-step process. However, this cumbersome method was often a far cry from the quicker approach of using the regular methods.
The September update streamlines the process by adding 1-tap direct call and text buttons on the home screen card. Users can now access their favorite contacts with a single tap, making communication more efficient and user-friendly. The widget retains its support for up to 16 contacts, although adding more than 4 may revert to the older layout due to space constraints.
Moreover, Google is enhancing its Scam Detection feature, which now monitors both incoming and outgoing texts within messaging apps. Users will receive an instant "Likely scam" alert when typing a potentially fraudulent message, protecting them from potential threats while maintaining privacy through on-device, real-time processing. This security feature will be available on Pixel 6 and newer devices, with notifications alerting users as soon as it becomes accessible for their specific phone model.
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