With the launch of Android 16 today, Google also announced the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop.
The main addition this quarter is a new “Pixel VIPs” widget from the Google Contacts app that “helps you stay connected to your favorite people.” Notably, people set as VIPs can bypass Do Not Disturb.
The design is visually unchanged from the existing “Favorite contacts” widget. Tapping on a VIP takes you to a feed with their profile picture and call/messaging shortcuts, with any upcoming events (like birthdays and anniversaries) noted at the top. The “Last connection” section shows your last call and message (including WhatsApp) with them. A “local updates” map shows shared locations, with the weather and time noted.
A “Notes about [VIP]” section serves as a mini-Google Keep that lets you save small details, reminders, and other memos in a centralized place. Finally, there’s a “Things to do together” carousel that offers activity suggestions. Google recommends adding your preferences, as well as other contact details, for the best experience. On the privacy front, “sensitive data like last call and message never leaves your device.” (Pixel 6+)
Gboard is getting deeper Pixel Studio integration that lets you generate a sticker right from the keyboard. Besides the prompt + emotion approach, you can make stickers from photos in your camera roll, with the background automatically removed. (Pixel 9+)
Simply type in your prompt, choose the right emotion and send, without having to switch apps.
Battery Health provides an estimated remaining capacity as a percentage. Based on charging and usage patterns, it signals when you should replace the battery. It is available on the Pixel 8a — not the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro — and Pixel 9 series.
The Pixel Camera app is adding an education hub with how-to instructions and “visual inspirations” for each mode when you tap the new question mark icon in the top-right corner of the viewfinder. (Pixel 6+)
Live Search in the Magnifier app can now find things in real-time instead of first needing to take a picture. (Pixel 5+)
…you can type what you’re looking for, like an item on a menu, and Magnifier will highlight matches on the screen as you move your phone. Your phone will also give a little vibration when it finds something.
Android 16 adds support for new Bluetooth LE audio features on hearing aids, like native controls. (Pixel 9+)
This makes it easy for you to take calls on the go and access your hearing aid presets, as well as change your ambient volume through your Pixel phone settings.
In terms of international expansions, the June Pixel Feature Drop brings:
- Satellite SOS to Australia (Pixel 9 series)
- Recorder app:
- AI summaries adding support for French and German recordings
- Clear voice (removes background noise) coming to Pixel 8 series
- Expressive Captions to Canada, UK, and Australia
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