The September Pixel Drop is here: 6 new features and updates you should know about

Google is rolling out its September Pixel Drop today, bringing a handful of new features and updates to supported Pixel phones and watches. If you’re wondering how this differs from the September Android Drop that arrived earlier this month, know that they are two separate updates.

The September Pixel Drop is essentially Android 17 QPR1 going stable for Pixel devices, bringing Pixel-specific features on top of the broader Android update that rolled out recently. Here are six features Google has announced as part of the September Pixel Drop.

1. Pixel VIPs get a much-needed upgrade

If you use Pixel VIPs to keep tabs on the people you contact most, you’re getting a redesigned experience. Google is expanding the Pixel VIPs widgets so you can call or text your favorite contacts with a single tap right from your home screen.

You will also now see notification badges so you can spot urgent or unread messages more easily. A new floating navigation menu at the bottom of the screen lets you swipe between your VIP profiles without leaving the home screen.

The updated Pixel VIPs experience is available on Pixel 6 and newer phones in all regions and languages.

2. You can turn your Pixel into a Harry Potter phone

Google has teamed up with Audible to give your Pixel a little Hogwarts magic. The new Harry Potter Audiobook Packs let you change your wallpaper, icons, and sounds with elements inspired by the Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.

Eligible Pixel users will also get a two-month Audible free trial. The packs are available on Pixel 6 and newer phones in select countries, including the US, UK, Canada, India, and more, until December 31, 2026.

3. Scam Detection is expanding to more regions and languages

Google is also expanding Scam Detection in Messages. The feature can detect and warn you about potentially fraudulent messages, and it’s now coming to more regions and languages. The full list of supported countries now includes the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Mexico, Japan, and France. Meanwhile, supported languages include: English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Arabic, French, and Japanese.

The feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer phones, excluding the Pixel Tablet.

4. Scam Detection is coming to your other chat apps

Google isn’t stopping at Messages. Scam Detection is also expanding to chat apps through Gboard. The keyboard will now detect and warn you about potential scam messages appearing in notifications from other chat apps.

This feature is available on Pixel 6 and newer phones, excluding the Pixel Tablet, although its availability is limited to the US. Google lists support for English, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Arabic, French, Indonesian Bahasa, Japanese, and Korean.

5. Raise to Talk gets better on the Pixel Watch

If you have a Pixel Watch 4 or the new Pixel Watch 5, Google is also improving the Raise to Talk gesture. The September Pixel Drop includes updates to the gesture model, although Google doesn’t provide many more details about what has changed.

6. One-handed gestures get more useful

Google is also expanding the functionality of one-handed gestures on the Pixel Watch. You can now open and scroll through your notification tray using a one-handed pinch gesture.

The feature is available on Pixel Watch 3 and newer, giving you another way to interact with your watch when you don’t have a free hand to tap and swipe at the display.

Google says the September Pixel Drop will start rolling out to all currently supported Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches from September 15. We’re obviously expecting the stable update to include more tweaks and bug fixes uncovered during the various Android 17 QPR1 betas. We’ll keep an eye out for what else the latest Pixel Drop brings beyond the features Google has announced, so keep reading our coverage for all the details.