In the past, Google’s Nexus phones used to run on a vanilla/stock version of Android. This was back in the day when OEMs would skin the hell out of Android, which made the vanilla version of Android so much more desirable. These days, Google Pixel phones get a bit more customization over stock Android with some exclusive apps and services. Now, it looks like one of those exclusive apps, Journal, is ending its Pixel 10 exclusivity.
Google drops Journal app Pixel 10 exclusivity
For those unfamiliar, the Journal app was exclusive to the Google Pixel 10. However, as part of the November 2025 Feature Drop, Google announced that the app will no longer be exclusive to these devices. Before you get too excited, it isn’t coming to non-Pixel phones yet. Instead, Google is bringing it to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series.
For those unfamiliar, the Journal app is basically a private space on your phone that you can use to document your life, like a digital diary of sorts. Think of it like Google Keep, except with better AI smarts, thanks to Gemini Nano. This is also why, as Android Police notes, the use of Gemini Nano means that older Pixel phones, like the Pixel 7, won’t be seeing the app.
We’re not sure if there are plans to eventually bring Journal to non-Pixel phones. However, Google has in the past brought some exclusive Pixel features to non-Pixel devices. This includes features like Google Live Translate. But there are some differences, where the features used cloud processing rather than on-device because of the lack of the Tensor chip.
Other features in the update
In addition to removing the exclusivity of the Journal app, the November 2025 Feature Drop comes with a bunch of changes. This includes notification summaries that help summarize all those incoming messages and emails. There’s also Scam Detection, which is rolling out to the Pixel 6 and newer in the US.
Also, for those who are after aesthetics, the update also introduces the “Wicked: For Good” theme parks. These themes are inspired by the Wicked film series with custom wallpapers, sounds, icons, and GIFs.
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