Google’s Pixel 9 series has received a significant update as part of its October 2024 feature drop, bringing an automatic underwater photography mode to its camera capabilities and other additional features. According to the company, with the Pixel Camera 9.6 update, users can now capture better underwater photos and videos that restore “true colors” when submerged in water. This update is available for Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL devices.

To activate this feature, users need to navigate to Camera Settings > Advanced and toggle Underwater Photography mode. This mode helps balance colors when capturing underwater images, ensuring more vibrant and accurate shots. Google recommends using a waterproof case for optimal results, and the camera will display “Underwater photography/video on” in the viewfinder when the mode is activated.

While Google has previously offered a similar feature for older Pixel devices through a dedicated app and a specific waterproof case, this integration into the camera app brings a seamless experience directly to Pixel 9 users.

In addition to underwater photography, the update introduces a vertical panorama option to the Pixel 9, giving users more flexibility by removing the restriction to only horizontal panoramas.

For older Pixel models, including the Pixel 6 to 8a, the update makes it easier to launch Astrophotography via the Night Sight tab, with a new control pill for quick access to the feature. The update also hints at future enhancements with “quick access controls” to adjust white balance, brightness and shadows directly from the viewfinder, although this feature is not fully enabled yet.