The September 2026 Pixel Drop for Japan introduces 5 new features, including the rollout of message scam detection in Japan. Gboard’s scam-detection integration is not available in Japan, and Pixel Tablet is excluded.
Google Japan announced the September 2026 Pixel Drop for Japan, with 5 new features becoming available. These include the rollout of message scam detection in Japan, updates to Pixel VIPs, the Harry Potter theme pack, expanded device support for Pause Point, and improvements to the raise-to-talk feature and support for hand gestures on Pixel Watch 4/5.
First, message scam detection is expanding to messaging apps other than Google Messages and will support 9 countries, including Japan, and 6 languages. Pixel VIPs will also receive updates including a refreshed widget design, added quick actions, and notification badges.
The Harry Potter theme pack is also becoming available, unifying wallpapers, icons, notification sounds, and other elements around the Harry Potter theme. A 2-month free Audible trial will also be offered. Support for Pause Point is expanding to Pixel 6 and later devices.
For Google Pixel Watch 4/5, Raise to Talk is being improved, and support is expanding among apps for hand gestures such as double-pinch and twisting the wrist. Gboard’s scam-detection integration is not included in the Japan release.