Google’s June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop introduces VIP Contacts, AI-powered Gboard stickers, Recorder enhancements, and LE Audio support. Android 16 also starts rolling out to eligible Pixel devices.
Google has started rolling out its June 2025 Feature Drop for Pixel devices, introducing a fresh wave of smart and AI-powered features designed to improve user experience across communication, photography, security, and accessibility. The update comes alongside the stable release of Android 16, now available on supported Pixel smartphones.
Highlight Your Inner Circle with VIP Contacts
One of the standout additions in this update is the new VIP Contacts widget, which lets users pin their most important contacts directly on the home screen. This makes it easier to check recent calls, WhatsApp messages, shared locations, and upcoming events like birthdays. VIPs can also bypass Do Not Disturb mode—ideal for urgent conversations—while all personal data remains securely stored on the device.
Smarter Stickers with Gboard and Pixel Studio
Google is enhancing self-expression through custom stickers powered by AI in Gboard. Integrated with Pixel Studio, users can now create personalized stickers just by typing a description and choosing an emotion. There’s also the option to turn personal photos into stickers by removing backgrounds automatically.
Pixel Feature Expansion and Camera Tips
The Satellite SOS feature is now live in Australia, enabling emergency communication even without cellular or Wi-Fi networks. The Recorder app now offers AI-generated summaries in German and French, and Pixel 8 users can benefit from Clear Voice to reduce background noise in recordings.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Camera app gains a new help guide that offers step-by-step tips and instructions for various shooting modes—ideal for users looking to make the most of their device’s photography tools.
Accessibility and Hearing Device Support
Accessibility gets a major boost with updates to the Magnifier app, which now supports live object search based on text queries—no photo needed. Pixel 9 series devices and newer, running Android 16, now support LE Audio hearing aids, enabling users to manage calls, fine-tune sound levels, and apply hearing presets directly from the phone’s settings.
More Accurate and Expressive Captions
Expressive Captions have been improved to better reflect nuances in speech, including elongated words and tone. This feature is now available in additional regions including Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Additional Highlights
- Battery Health Information: Pixel phones now offer detailed insights into battery condition, helping users decide when a replacement may be needed.
- Advanced Protection: Strengthened security options help safeguard against cyber threats, malicious apps, and scam calls.
- AI Search Mode: Built into the Pixel search bar, users now get instant AI-generated answers without opening a separate app.
- Veo 3 for AI Video Generation: A new creative tool for generating short videos from text prompts. Pixel 9 Pro users receive a one-year free subscription; others can access a one-month trial.
Android 16 Integration
Many of these features are complemented by the Android 16 update, also rolling out now. Key additions include:
- Personalized Group Chats in Google Messages, with the ability to name chats, assign icons, and mute them temporarily.
- New Google Photos Editor with simplified layout and AI enhancements.
- Custom Google Home Favorites, letting users pin smart device controls to platforms like Google TV.
- Extended Safety Check, offering quick extensions to safety timers.
- Emoji Kitchen Stickers, providing new mashups for expressive messaging.
- Wear OS Transit Payments, enabling tap-to-pay for transit even when the Wallet app isn’t active.
Availability
These updates are rolling out gradually and will reach all supported Pixel smartphones running Android 16 in the coming days. While many features are available starting today, others—like AI photo editing tools and Veo 3—will roll out in phases over the next few weeks.
