Google's September Pixel Drop Adds VIP Widget Actions, Wider Scam Detection

Engadget reported that Pixel 6 phones and newer now show expanded VIP widget options that let users quickly send a text or call VIPs or favorite contacts from the home screen. New notification badges show at a glance whether a user has received an urgent message or has an unread message from a VIP. Android Authority reported that the VIP improvements are delivered through the Google Contacts app and include single-tap quick actions for calling and texting plus a floating overlay navigation menu for swiping between VIP profiles. The changes roll out to Pixel 6 and newer across all supported regions and languages, Android Authority said. The VIP widget was introduced in the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop and displayed last calls, WhatsApp messages, locations and birthdays for up to eight chosen contacts. The September update adds more useful controls to a feature that previously had limited functionality, Android Authority reported.

Google is also expanding Scam Detection. Engadget reported that in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Germany, Mexico, Japan and France, the feature can now alert users to potential fraudulent messages across chat apps in their notifications. In the United States, it can also alert users to potential scam messages inside the Gboard keyboard, Engadget said. Android Authority reported that Scam Detection in Google Messages is now available in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the United Kingdom. It also said the feature works in English, Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. Support for third-party apps through Gboard is limited to the United States for now, according to Android Authority.

For Pixel Watch 5 devices, Google is rolling out a Wear OS 7 update, Engadget reported. The update brings a more personalized Gemini that can be accessed offline and more accurate GPS route tracking. It also expands one-handed gesture controls: users can double pinch to open the notification center from the watch face, scroll through Gemini responses, scroll through cards in Wallet and toggle between Google Maps reviews, among other actions. Turning the wrist still navigates back to the previous screen.

Google also introduced Harry Potter Audiobook Packs for Pixel 6 phones and newer, Engadget reported. The packs can change wallpaper, icons and sounds with elements from the new audiobooks. Eligible Pixel users in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Japan and Australia will receive two free months of Audible.

Android Authority reported that the September update also delivers Android 17 QPR1 to Pixel phones. New updates are available for Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 models, with software version CP3A.260905.009. Earlier in September, Google released CD1A.260905.001.A1 and then CD1A.260905.001.B1 exclusively for Pixel 11 family members. The company formally shared its September Pixel update changelog alongside the latest release.

Editor's Summary

Google's September Pixel Drop adds VIP widget shortcuts, wider Scam Detection, a Wear OS 7 update for Pixel Watch 5 and Harry Potter audiobook customization for Pixel 6 and newer. It also brings Android 17 QPR1, bug fixes and security patches to Pixel 6 through Pixel 10. The release expands Google's Pixel features into more regions and puts some scam warnings directly into the US Gboard keyboard.