Google recently updated the Pixel VIPs widget in its latest Pixel September 2026 Feature Drop. While the brand didn't share official images in its press release, Android Authority managed to enable it and detail its new look and slated improvements.
The redesigned Pixel VIPs widget is an extension of the Pixel VIP feature in the Google Contacts app. While the feature is ready to go and functional in the latest app version, the new interface is not yet live by default. Users will have to wait for Google to flip a server-side switch before it becomes widely available.
Once activated, one of the main additions in the widget is the dedicated quick actions. The updated widget lets users instantly call or text their priority contacts with a single tap directly from the home screen, rather than having to deal with another overlay.
The widget's appearance will change dynamically based on users' specific setup and contact count. Unfortunately, the four-contact limit still exists, and attempting to add five will revert to the older widget design to prevent the UI from becoming cramped.
The widget also supports resizing, allowing users to shrink it into a smaller box. However, doing so will hide the new call and text buttons. Google probably wants to keep the 2x2 size while keeping the buttons inside fairly easy to tap.
While the update to the VIPs widget doesn't bring everything users have been asking for, it's still a welcome one nonetheless. The widget looks cleaner, and with the extra annoying overlay gone, users can dial their favourite contacts in the blink of an eye.
However, we wish Google would allow us to add more than four VIPs to the widget, as the limitation seems to be a bit unnecessary. We hope the brand listens to the feedback and rolls out another update to the widget in the coming months.
As mentioned earlier, while the feature is ready, it's currently locked behind a server-side switch. As someone who's been closely monitoring Google's obsession with server-side switches for features, the new widget should roll out in a few days.
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