Pixel 9’s Best Features Might Soon Be on Older Models

Last month, Google introduced its new Pixel 9 series smartphones, which came with exciting new features. Two standout features, Auto Frame and Reimagine, were announced as exclusive to the Pixel 9 series. However, recent discoveries suggest that these features might soon be available on older Pixel models.

Exclusive Pixel 9 Features: Coming to Older Pixels?

According to Android Authority and a user on X (formerly Twitter) named AssembleDebug, there is evidence in the Google Photos app that points to the possibility of these features being rolled out to older Pixel phones. Upon examining the app’s code, they found references to Auto Frame and Reimagine. It indicates that Google may plan to bring these features to Pixels released between 2021 and 2023.

Currently, Google has three versions of the Google Photos app, each designed for specific devices. One version is for non-Pixel Android phones, another for Pixels launched between 2021 and 2023. And the third for the latest 2024 Pixel models, including the Pixel 9 series. The version for the Pixel 9 contains special code strings for Auto Frame and Reimagine. Interestingly, the same code was also available in version 6.99 of the app. It runs on Pixel phones released from 2021 to 2023.

This strongly suggests that Google may be working on bringing these new features to older Pixel phones in the near future. While there has been no official announcement from Google, this discovery shows that the company is at least considering extending these features to more users.

However, it’s important to note that the version of the Google Photos app for non-Pixel Android devices does not have the code for Auto Frame and Reimagine. This suggests that, for now, these features will remain exclusive to Pixel phones. There is no indication of whether non-Pixel users will eventually have access to these capabilities.

In conclusion, while the Auto Frame and Reimagine features were initially introduced as exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, it looks like they may soon be available for older Pixel models from 2021 to 2023. However, users of non-Pixel devices may have to wait longer, or may never receive these features.