When Google added Pixelsnap to the Pixel 10 series, it wasn’t just building in support for all kinds of magnetic accessories — it was also adding in some excellent software functionality, like upgraded screensavers for when your phone is docked and charging. After gaining some new styles and features alongside the launch of the Pixel 11, Google is finally bringing these upgraded styles to older hardware, despite the lack of magnets.
A select group of users are starting to spot these screensavers being added to older Pixels, beginning with the Pixel 9, as reported by Android Authority. Earlier Pixels did have support for a basic screensaver tool, but with this upgrade, every option available on Google’s latest releases have finally been backported to its 2024 hardware. The update appears to include a pop-up demo of these new options, along with everything currently available as of the Pixel 11’s launch. Clock, Charge, Weather, Photos, and Home Controls are all available, and can be swiped through at will. And speaking of Charge, it too seems to be headed to the Pixel 10 series, after having been exclusive to the Pixel 11 for the past two months.
Unfortunately, it does seem like this is one of Google’s classic slow rollouts. There aren’t a massive amount of reports from Pixel 9 users that these styles are live on their devices, implying it might take a few weeks before reaching everyone. The same goes for Charge on the Pixel 10, with plenty of Redditors confirming they have yet to see that specific style arrive.
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Will Sattelberg is a writer and podcaster at 9to5Google. You can reach out to Will at will@9to5mac.com, or find him on Twitter @will_sattelberg
