Google Pixel 9 Pro and other Pixel phones get Android 16 update and exclusive Feature Drop
Today, Google released the Android 16 update for Pixel smartphones. Users of a Pixel 9 Pro (from $999 on Amazon) or other compatible smartphone can already install the new operating system. Android 16 primarily introduces some design adjustments, Live Updates similar to the Apple iPhone and security upgrades.
Additionally, Pixel owners can enjoy a series of exclusive features via the latest Feature Drop for June 2025. Most notably, the update introduces so-called "Pixel VIPs", which consolidate past calls, messages or birthdays from favored contacts in one place. This information can also be displayed on the home screen via a widget. Calls from VIPs can also come through when "do not disturb" is enabled.
Gboard can now generate stickers using artificial intelligence and text input, which doesn’t require users to switch between apps. Moreover, the Pixel Recorder app can also now create AI-generated summaries of voice memos in more languages, including German. The Feature Drop also introduces "Clear Voice" to the Pixel 8 series, a feature designed to remove disruptive background noise from voice memos.
The Camera app on Pixel smartphones is getting a new question mark button that launches a tutorial explaining its various features. Google's Magnifier app can now search for text that is seen through the phone’s camera, such as a menu in restaurants. Last but not least, Google Photos sports a new one-click feature that utilizes AI to edit the image.
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