Comply with ZDNET: Add us as a most well-liked supply on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The September 2026 Pixel Drop is formally rolling out.
- It brings a quicker solution to name and message contacts.
- The replace is accessible to Pixel 6 and newer gadgets.
The September 2026 Pixel Drop is formally rolling out, and whereas it’s not an enormous replace, it does carry a doubtlessly very useful gizmo to your house display. That is separate from the September Android Drop, which launched a brand new solution to maintain monitor of necessary gadgets and a brand new movement illness characteristic.
Additionally: The perfect Google telephones: How does the Pixel 10 Professional Fold stack up?
Right here’s a take a look at what’s new.
A better solution to message or name your common contacts
Essentially the most helpful replace, and the one I’m most enthusiastic about, makes it rather a lot simpler to name or message your most used contacts.
In June 2025, Google debuted Pixel VIPs, a widget that saved necessary contacts for simple entry. The method nonetheless concerned a number of faucets, although, as you needed to faucet a contact contained in the VIP widget to entry that profile card, then faucet a second time to name or message that particular person. I had VIP contacts saved, however I hardly ever used them as a result of the method wasn’t a lot shorter than utilizing the common methodology.
Additionally: iPhone Duo vs. Pixel 11 Professional Fold: I’ve used each, and it’s not open and shut
The widget is staying, however the September replace provides 1-tap direct name and textual content buttons proper on the house display card.
Google says the widget itself helps as much as 16 contacts, however early experiences point out that for those who add greater than 4, it reverts to the previous structure to avoid wasting house.
New rip-off safety for textual content messages
Google can also be increasing Rip-off Detection, a characteristic that already listens to your calls to maintain you protected from scams. Quickly, your Pixel cellphone will keep watch over what you kind throughout messaging apps. For those who begin to answer a suspicious message, you’ll get a “Possible rip-off” warning over your keyboard.
You could have seen a “Possible rip-off” flag on a textual content message earlier than, however this month’s replace expands that characteristic’s attain and provides safety immediately in Gboard. This processing occurs on system and in real-time, Google says, so your conversations keep personal.
Additionally: Per week with the Google Pixel 11 modified my thoughts about Gemini (for the higher)
This replace shall be out there on Pixel 6 and newer telephones. For those who don’t have already got it, you need to quickly. You’ll get a notification as soon as it’s out there in your system.
See full bio
