Google’s latest Pixel Drop is here, landing alongside the official rollout of Android 16 for Pixel phones. The June 2025 update introduces a collection of new features aimed at improving accessibility, creativity, and everyday convenience for Pixel users, especially those wielding Pixel 6 or newer devices.
Here’s a look at what’s new.
Pixel VIPs Widget Puts Your People Front and Center
The new Pixel VIPs feature makes it easier to stay connected with your closest contacts. Available exclusively on Pixel phones, the VIPs widget pulls from the Contacts app to spotlight key details like birthdays, recent calls or messages (including WhatsApp), and location updates when shared. VIPs can even override Do Not Disturb, so your favorite people don’t get silenced when things get quiet.
This feature runs on-device for privacy, and works with Pixel 6 and newer models.
Gboard Now Lets You Create AI Stickers with Pixel Studio
Stickers just got an upgrade. Pixel users can now create personalized, animated stickers directly in Gboard, powered by generative AI in Pixel Studio. Users can type a prompt (think: “sad starfish with sunglasses” or “jelly avocado with sparkles”), pick an emotion, and Gboard does the rest. You can even use your own photos; backgrounds are automatically removed to isolate the subject for sticker-style flair.
This is live on Pixel 9 phones in select countries and languages.
Expanded Access to Fan-Favorite Features
Several existing Pixel features are getting a wider rollout. Satellite SOS, previously U.S.-only, is now supported in Australia for Pixel 9 series devices, letting users reach emergency services without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. Meanwhile, AI-powered Recorder summaries are expanding to French and German on newer Pixel models, and the Clear Voice feature (for minimizing background noise in recordings) now comes to Pixel 8 devices.
Photography Tips Now Built Into the Camera App
Pixel’s Camera app is getting an educational boost. A new question mark icon in the top-right corner opens an interactive guide with visual examples and usage tips for each shooting mode. It’s a quick way to improve shots without Googling “how to use Night Sight again.”
Magnifier App Gets Real-Time Object Recognition
The Magnifier app now supports live search, helping users find and identify items on-screen without taking a picture. Just type in what you’re looking for—like a dish on a menu—and the app highlights it on the fly with haptic feedback. This feature works on Pixel 5 and up (excluding tablets and foldables).
Pixel 9 and newer phones running Android 16 also gain LE Audio hearing aid support, enabling easier access to audio presets, volume control, and calls directly through the phone.
Expressive Captions Add More Personality to Spoken Text
Expressive Captions, Google’s enhanced live captions feature, now does a better job interpreting emotion, tone, and even stretched-out words (like “yessss”). It’s now available in more countries, including Canada, the UK, and Australia—though only in English and on Pixel 6 or newer.
Smarter Google Photos Editing with AI Suggestions
An upgraded Google Photos editing experience is rolling out soon with smarter AI-powered suggestions. Users can expect quicker access to suggested edits, intuitive tool recommendations, and better organization of frequently used features—all aimed at streamlining the photo-fixing process.
For more on all the new features landing in the June Pixel Drop, visit the official Pixel Drop hub or check out Google’s community post.
