Google releases Android 16 and June Pixel Drop

Google has launched its June Pixel Drop full of new features and updates alongside the full release of Android 16.

The first update on the list is Pixel-exclusive, called Pixel VIPs, which is a widget from the Contacts app that lets you stay connected to your favourite people. You can add as many details as possible, like birthdays, emails, home addresses and preferences. You can also see your last call and message with your VIPs, including from WhatsApp, see their location if they share it, and receive updates for important events like birthdays. VIPs can bypass Do Not Disturb, and this data stays on-device.

Another update brings fun, custom stickers in Gboard powered by Pixel Studio. You can type a prompt and choose an emotion, like a happy jellyfish.

Clear voice in the Recorder App is coming to Pixel 8, so you can remove background noises from recordings.

Another new update comes to the Pixel Camera app, letting users tap the question mark icon in the camera’s upper right-hand corner to see visual inspiration of what each mode does, along with helpful how-to instructions.

Learn more about everything coming to Android 16 ↓ https://t.co/gOBerzFXb5

— Google (@Google) June 10, 2025

Additionally, the Magnifier app on Pixels is getting a boost to help people learn more about their surroundings in real time, without needing to take a picture first. Users can open the app and type what they’re looking for, such as chicken on a menu. Then, when they point their phone camera at it, Magnifier will highlight matches on the screen as the phone moves. The handset will vibrate if it finds what it’s looking for.

Now you can use new Bluetooth LE audio features with hearing aids on Pixel 9 and newer phones running Android 16.

Expressive Captions, another feature, aims to understand intensity, nuance, and emotion through speech. This works in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia. Additionally, AI-powered editing tools in Google Photos provide suggestions that enhance photos with a single touch.

Live updates in your notifications show you a progress bar with real-time updates and is compatible with ride-share and delivery apps. Notifications from the same apps will be force-grouped to reduce clutter. It’s worth mentioning that Live updates isn’t available yet.

Later this year, desktop mode will be available on tablets, with custom keyboard shortcuts, the ability to create your own combination of hotkeys, and a taskbar.

And Android 16 comes with the company’s highest security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more with a tap. Android 16 features the new Expressive Material 3 design, with new design elements like a more rounded UI, new fonts, and haptics when swiping away notifications. Expressive Material 3 seems to not be available at launch.