Update 1 (12/14/2021 @ 00:44 ET): The December 2021 update is now live for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on December 14, 2021, is preserved below.

Every three months Google releases a Pixel Feature Drop, bringing new features to the Pixel lineup outside of the platform updates. Earlier this month, the company released December 2021 Pixel Feature Drop together with the latest security patches. At the time, Google said the update would first make its way to the Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, and Pixel 5a series, with the new Pixel 6 series joining next week. If you own a Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and are wondering exactly when you'll receive the new Pixel Feature Drop, it looks like you won't have to wait too long.

Google Pixel 6 Pro Review: Fantastic everyday phone with an undeniable Exynos inspiration

According to Google Japan, the Pixel 6 series is set to receive the December Pixel Feature Drop on December 13th. The update will likely be delivered through a phased rollout so it may not be available for everyone to download on the same day.

The Pixel 6 comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and flagship cameras.
Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 packs Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and powerful cameras.

Besides December 2021 security patches, Pixel 6 series owners can look forward to several new features in the new update. These include ultra-wideband (UWB) support with improvements to Nearby Share, a new wallpaper collection that celebrates International Day of People with Disabilities, Car Crash detection in select markets, a new option for adjusting the Google Assistant button’s activation duration, and support for German, French, and Japanese in the Recorder app.

The Pixel 6 Pro is the larger sibling that comes with Google's new Tensor chip, a modern design, and an extra telephoto camera.
Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro, the larger sibling, has the same Tensor chip, but packs a better display and an extra telephoto camera.

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are Google's latest flagships phones. They pack a fresh design, gorgeous display, Google's first in-house Tensor SoC, capable camera hardware, and Android 12.


Update: December 2021 update starts rolling out to the Pixel 6 series

As promised, Google has started rolling out the December 2021 security update to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The update addresses 80 bugs and also includes features introduced in this month's Feature Drop update. The staged OTA rollout is currently underway, but OTA and factory images for both devices are already up if you want to install the update manually. You can find step-by-step instructions for flashing an OTA .zip file and factory image on your Pixel here.

Full OTA download links: