Google just dropped a surprise emergency update for Pixel owners

With 2026 nearly here, most Pixel users probably assumed the big December “Pixel Drop” earlier this month was the end of it. But Google can be full of surprises sometimes.

A second, completely unexpected update has now started hitting those phones, and you will want to grab this immediately.

Pixel 8, 9, and 10 users, hit that update button now

If you own a newer device, specifically anything from the Pixel 8, 9, or the brand-new Pixel 10 lineups, check your notifications. Users on Reddit first spotted the download pop-up, and it has since been confirmed on the Pixel 10 Pro.

It is a tiny file, weighing in at just around 26 MB, which usually means only one thing: emergency hotfix! Certainly not fun, new features. But that’s make it an even more urgent update.

So, what exactly does this do? While the initial wave of reports suggested a response to perhaps recent spyware threats, it now looks like there are specific performance tweaks here too. We are hearing reports that this addresses a nasty battery drain issue and smooths out a touch responsiveness bug that has been annoying Pixel 10 owners.

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The rollout appears strictly limited to the last three generations. That includes the ‘a’ series and the Fold models for the 8, 9, and 10.

As for how to update, simply head into your settings, find the system menu, and hit that check for updates button. Better safe than sorry, especially with the new year right around the corner.