Google’s September Pixel Drop brings a visual refresh and smarter earbuds

The latest quarterly Pixel Feature Drop is here, and the September update is a big one, especially for owners of slightly older Pixel phones and the Pixel Buds Pro 2. This drop delivers on some of the key promises from last month’s Made by Google event, bringing a splashy visual refresh to more devices and finally unlocking the new, smarter features for Google’s premium earbuds.

First up is the wider rollout of Material 3 Expressive, the more colorful and bubbly design language that debuted with the Pixel 10 series. Starting today, this youthful new UI is coming to all Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 and newer, as well as the Pixel Tablet. This update brings more than just a new look; it also delivers new personalization options, like the ability to create custom calling cards for your contacts. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into a two or three-year-old device!

Google is also now rolling out the massive update for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 that it previewed last month. This update includes Adaptive Audio, a feature that automatically adjusts your earbud volume based on your environment’s ambient noise. It also adds a new hearing wellness feature that automatically dampens sudden loud noises. And lastly, Pixel Buds Pro 2 now have background noise reduction when you’re interacting with Gemini and, finally, the ability to accept or ignore calls by simply nodding or shaking your head.

For Pixel Watch and Wear OS users, the watch will now automatically display Google Maps navigation anytime you start walking or biking directions on your phone—a fantastic, hands-free convenience.

And for the broader Android ecosystem, Gboard is getting AI-powered writing suggestions, you’ll be able to share Bluetooth audio with a friend, and you can now favorite your creations in the Emoji Kitchen. There’s even a new Androidify app that uses AI to create your own custom Android bot from a selfie.

As is typical with these rollouts, Google says the September Pixel Feature Drop is starting today and “will continue over the next few weeks” for all eligible devices.