Pixel Feature Drop November 2025
Every quarter, Google releases a bigger update for the Pixel models. This involves adding new features and a range of new features. The previous update dates back to September. The November update, which is based on Android 16 QPR1 will be released in the coming days for the Pixel devices, though whether you get all the features varies by model. New, for example, is Scam Detection, which works with all chat apps. In case of a suspicious message, you will see a red shield with an alert. However, this seems to be only there for the US for now.
Notifications
The big change is found in the summary of notifications. The Pixel 9 and newer (except the Pixel 9a) will get this new feature. Long notifications from messaging apps like WhatsApp, as well as Google Messages, will be summarised. These are created by Gemini Nano on the device, and are indicated by an AI icon. Also, these notifications are written with an italic font. An upcoming update for December will bring further improvements. Low-priority notifications will be grouped and shown at the bottom. You can then expand these into different categories.
In several countries, Google is bringing call notes. Using Gemini Nano, conversations can be recorded, and provided with transcription. Google can then summarise these notes again. Incidentally, this is only for the Pixel 9 models (not the Pixel 9a) in the countries Australia, Canada, India, Ireland and the UK.
Google Maps
For the Pixel 10 models, there is a new power-saving mode for Google Maps. While driving, you can press the power button for a simplified view. In it, only the most important information is shown, including, for example, the map and next turns. This should extend battery life by four hours, according to Google.
Theme packs
Theme packs is another new feature for the Pixel 6 and newer. With a theme pack, the background, colours, app icons, clocks, sounds, Gboard and more can be tackled in one go. To do this, go to Background & Style. In Google Photos, personalised editing is added, using face groups. Using 'Help me edit', you can correct images and remix them with other photos.
Also awakened is an option that prioritises messages from so-called Pixel VIPs. Notifications coming in from them via Google Messages or WhatsApp will be marked with a yellow colour.Furthermore, Pixel 10 models will get more timely suggestions through Magic Cue. Google Messages gets a travel feature for photos taken with Gemini Nano Banana, though this too is only limited to Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, the US and the UK.
More news
There are more new features, too. These include the ability to use the Journal app on the Pixel 8 and 9 series, the device status component for the Pixel 6 and newer, and support for the magnifying glass app on the Pixel Fold. Furthermore, you can use the My Pixel app in Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy and Spain.
The update will be rolled out in the near future, but it may take some time until everyone sees the new update back. In the table below, you can see for which devices, which update will be released.
