Google Launches Android 16 for Pixel Phones with AI-Powered Photo Editing and More

Google has launched Android 16 for its Pixel smartphone lineup, bringing a host of new features and improvements. This release arrives just a day after Apple’s operating system overhauls at WWDC 2025, setting the stage for a competitive software landscape.

The Android 16 update includes several key enhancements, such as group chat in RCS, AI-powered edit suggestions for Google Photos, and support for corporate badges in Google Wallet. The update also focuses on improved accessibility and customization for messaging and contacts.

In addition to Android 16, Google has also announced upgrades as part of its regular feature updates for eligible Pixel phones, known as “Pixel Drop.”

Android 16 Improvements

Android 16 introduces iOS-style live notifications on the lock screen for real-time updates and Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. The new OS provides enhanced security features, including safeguards against theft and scams, along with an updated advanced protection mode for public figures.

Android 16 also supports Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio devices, enabling users to utilize them instead of their phone’s mic for better call quality. Native controls allow users to manage volume directly from their devices.

Google plans to introduce desktop-style windowing support for Android tablets later this year. The company also aims to implement custom keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to define actions for finding apps using their own combination of hotkeys.

An update to Google Messages for Android 16 and other supported releases will add RCS group chat support. Users can select custom icons and mute notifications for specific chats for a defined period.

Android 16 also brings HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate, and forced grouping for notifications to reduce clutter in the notification drawer.

Google Photos receives an array of new features. The app will soon suggest editing tools like erase, move, or “reimagine” for portions of an image, leveraging AI to enhance photo editing capabilities.

Other improvements include the ability to favorite devices in the Google Home app and support for paying for public transit using Google Wallet on Wear OS devices.

Pixel June Features

Alongside Android 16, Google is rolling out its latest set of monthly Pixel feature upgrades.

A new “Pixel VIPs” widget allows users to view interactions with favorites in their contact list. It displays recent calls and messages, including those from WhatsApp, and updates such as birthdays and location if shared by the contact.

Pixel phones are also getting more detailed captions for video content, including livestreams. The captions will describe nuances such as whispering, yawning, or throat clearing.

Users can now create custom stickers using text prompts directly from Google’s Gboard keyboard. Google is adding support for AI-powered summaries in French and German to the Recorder app. Additionally, users in Australia will gain access to Android’s Emergency SOS satellite connectivity feature.

Google is adding a battery health indicator for Pixel 8a and newer devices (excluding Pixel 8 and 8 Pro). Pixel 5 and later devices receive a new accessibility feature through the Magnifier app, which can describe and highlight searched items via haptics.

Enterprise Android users are also benefiting from these updates, with the ability to store corporate badges in Google Wallet. Google’s Gemini chatbot app in Google Docs on Android can summarize content, provide insights, and translate text. Chrome on Android is enhancing its handling of PDFs with linked document viewing.

June’s Pixel Drop updates are rolling out starting Tuesday.

Note: The story has been updated to reflect that RCS Group chat and Google Photos features are rolling out to wider Android ecosystem.