Summary: Google’s Pixel HiLight feature on the Pixel 11 Pro could soon get four new LED colors and support for message notifications. Both additions were found in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 code by Android Authority. HiLight currently only lights up for calls from favorite contacts and background Gemini tasks, with just five color options.
Google’s Pixel HiLight feature has been one of the more interesting additions to the Pixel 11 Pro, but it has also been one of the most limited. The LED ring around the camera flash currently only supports five colors and lights up for just two things: incoming calls from favorite contacts and background Gemini tasks. But that could change soon.
Pixel 11 Pro’s HiLight May Get Nine Colors and Message Notifications
According to an APK teardown by Android Authority, the latest Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 update includes 4 new color options in the HiLight customization menu. The full list now includes Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, White and Yellow. Nine colors had been spotted in the code even before the Pixel 11 series launched, so this is Google finally getting closer to making them available.
More importantly, the same beta update contains code suggesting that HiLight will support message notifications from favorite contacts, not just calls. The code references a setting called”LIGHT_ANIMATIONS_SETTING_FAVORITE_MESSAGES_ENABLED,” which points to messages triggering the LED ring the same way calls do now.
Google had mentioned this plan at the Pixel 11 launch event, so it appears to be following through. What is not clear yet is which messaging apps will be supported. It could be limited to Google Messages only, or it could extend to third-party apps like WhatsApp. The code does not make that distinction, and Google has not commented on it.
Since both features were found in beta code, there is no confirmed timeline for when they will be rolled out. But we will follow up as more developments surface.
