Google Pixel 9's AI Camera Features to Extend to Older Pixel Models

Some Google Pixel 9 exclusive AI features could come to older Pixels

Leaked US pricing shows that Google's new Pixel 9 Pro models won't come cheap Key Takeaways Google Photos app code hints at Pixel 9 series AI camera features on older Pixel models Reimagine and Auto Frame features for older Pixels pending confirmation Upcoming Feature Drop suggests older Pixels may receive newer AI features It's been a month since Google officially unveiled the Pixel 9 series, and as we've come to expect from Pixel devices, the highlight has again been the software tricks (read: AI features) rather than hardware upgrades. Much of the innovation this time centered around camera and photo capabilities, including improvements to the Magic Editor, and some new features Add Me, Video Boost for Night Sight, and more. However, it seems that some of these new features might also make their way to older Pixel devices. Related Google Pixel 9: Price, specs, news, features, and release date Google's biggest mobile shakeup since Tensor is almost here 2 A report by AssembleDebug (via Android Authority) reveals that code in the Google Photos app suggests some of the Pixel 9 series' AI camera features may be coming to older Pixel models. Specifically, two key features appear to be in the pipeline for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series are the Reimagine and Auto Frame. For those unfamiliar, the Reimagine feature lets you completely 'reimagine' your photos by adding new elements, modifying existing ones, or even typing in what you want to see. On the other hand, the Auto Frame feature gives you the ability to adjust the framing of your pictures after you've taken them. The launch date remains uncertain though According to AssembleDebug, Google is developing three distinct versions of the Photos app. There's one version for all non-Pixel devices, another for Pixel devices launched between 2021 and 2023 (covering the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series), and a third version for Pixels launched in 2024 or later. As expected, the code for the Photos app on the newer Pixel models includes all the strings for the latest AI features. However, interestingly, Google has also started including some of these feature strings in the Photos app version for the Pixel 6 to Pixel 8 series, suggesting that these AI features may soon be available on those older devices as well. Related The Pixel 9 puts my screenshots in too many places Screenshots and Photos and Files, oh my 1 While there isn't any concrete evidence of these features working on older devices yet, the appearance of the code suggests that they'll likely make their way to previous Pixel models at some point, possibly with an upcoming Feature Drop. This, however, wouldn't be the first time Google has done this. For example, the Magic Editor feature was initially introduced with the Pixel 8 series but was made available on older Pixel devices a few months later, and even on other Android devices through a Google One subscription. Google Pixel 9 The Pixel 9 is Google's most affordable 2024 flagship, offering key features like a 48MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP main shooter, and autofocus selfie cam. While it makes a few compromises compared to the Pro models, it still includes new Gemini AI features and a 2,700-nit Actua display, providing great value at its price point. $799 at Amazon$799 at Best Buy$799 at Google Store Google Pixel 9 Pro The Pixel 9 Pro is a compact addition to Google's lineup, offering a smaller form factor while retaining all the AI and camera capabilities of the Pro series. It shares dimensions with the standard Pixel 9 but brings premium features like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making it a standout in Google's high-end range. $999 at Amazon$999 at Best Buy$999 at Google Store Google Pixel 9 Pro XL The Pixel 9 Pro XL carries the same role as last year's Pixel 8 Pro, with similar specs and a familiar footprint. The new Pixel 9 Pro, however, is a smaller flagship option. The 9 Pro XL offers a larger screen, faster charging, and a bigger battery, along with all the camera and AI features of the 9 Pro. $1099 at Amazon$1099 at Best Buy$1099 at Google Store

Pixel 9's New AI Features Could Expand to Older Models Soon

While we do not know exactly when they will arrive, we expect Google to push these features sooner or alongside stable Android 15. Google's Pixel 9 series has made lots of noise since its launch thanks to all the advanced AI shenanigans the search engine giant added to the device, especially in the camera department. Besides the improved camera hardware this year, Google also added a few new AI features like Add Me, Auto Frame, and Reimagine. While Add Me will remain Pixel 9-exclusive, it looks like Google may bring the other two features to older Pixels. Spotted by Android Authority's Assemble Debug, a future server-side switch could bring the two new features to Pixels launched after 2021, i.e., Pixel 6 and above devices. According to him, there are three versions of Google Photos apps. There's one for Pixels launched between 2021 and 2023, one for all Android devices, and one for Pixel 9. The tipster spotted strings pertaining to the features in the latest version of the Photos app, i.e., version 6.99 for Pixels 6, 7, and 8 series, deducing that Google may bring the new features to older Pixels. They also found that the feature works on custom ROMs like Evolution X and LineageOS by spoofing the device ID to Pixel 9, even on devices failing Play Integrity. This isn't the first time new Pixel features will make it to older Pixel devices. Magic Editor, a Pixel 8-exclusive feature during launch, made it older Pixels in a few months, followed by all Android phones with a Google One subscription. The same goes for the Photo Unblur feature, which was announced exclusively for Pixel 7 series but was made available on all Android phones. This increases the probability of Auto Frame and Reimagine features arriving on non-Pixels in the future. What are your thoughts on Google bringing new features to older Pixels? Let us know in the comments.