The June Pixel Drop update is now rolling out to Pixel smartphone users, and it’s the biggest update to date yet for a very simple reason.
We’re used to Google’s Pixel Drop updates bringing new features to the table (sometimes only one), but this one brings with it a whole new operating system. That’s right, Android 16 is here much earlier than Google usually releases it.
You can download Android 16 now if you have a compatible device – a Pixel 6 or later.
There is one big caveat, however. The upgrade doesn’t bring with it Google’s exciting new Material 3 Expressive design language (which will come later this year), but there’s still plenty to talk about here.
Google has added a new Contacts app widget to Android 16 that surfaces your favourite contacts.
You can then tap on them to get a complete rundown of your interactions, including your last call and message (including WhatsApp), their birthday details, shared location information, and more.
Custom stickers in Gboard
With Android 16 on Pixel 9 phones, you can now create a custom sticker (in English, Japanese, and German) while you’re using the keyboard to message. Just type in a natural phrase, and Google’s AI will generate an appropriate sticker.
One of the examples used by Google in the above teaser video is the phrase “A cute pasta holding a sign that says “take a guess!” – and that’s pretty much exactly what gets generated in sticker form. You can also produce stickers from your photo roll, with the subject nicely removed from the background.
Hearing Aids with LE Audio
The June Pixel Drop with Android 16 lets you connect a hearing aid to your Pixel phone, making changing ambient audio settings and taking calls much easier to manage. It also enables custom audio presets for specific locations.
Hearing aid connectivity is available only on Pixel 9 devices.
Expressive Captions
Live Captions have now gotten much more human, and are capable of understanding when the speaker is being more expressive.
The example given is just about perfect: a football commentator shouting ‘HE SHOOTS! HERE WEEE GOOOOO’, and the captions properly reflecting the level of excitement.
It’s available on Pixel 6 and above.
Live Search in Magnifier App
As the title to this one suggests, it’s now possible to conduct a Live Search direct from the Magnifier app, which helps you see small text and distant objects.
It’ll work in real time, without requiring you to take a picture. Just type out what you’re looking for (maybe a particular dish on a menu), and Magnifier will notify you when it spots the item in the live scene.
This feature is available on Pixel 5 and above.
Camera Education
Tap the question mark in the upper right corner of the Camera app, and you’ll receive a visual interpretation of what each mode will do for the scene you’re shooting, alongside handy how to instructions.
Battery Health Indicator
Android 16 adds a Battery Health feature that compares your phone’s current battery capacity to that of a brand new battery. It’ll tell you if that figure is normal or not for the age of the phone. You’ll also get links to articles that can help you better deal with battery management.
Extra Android 16 notes and upcoming features
That’s it for standalone features coming to Pixel phones in the June Pixel Drop, but Google does mention a couple of interesting extras.
Photo editing suggestions are said to be coming to Pixel devices “soon” (whenever that means), while Quick transit payments are now possible on your wearOS wearable device.
Google’s neat Satellite SOS feature is also coming to Pixel 9 phones in Australia with the June Pixel Drop.
In the Recorder app, AI-generated summaries now work with the French and German languages on Pixel 9 phones. Sticking with Recorder, the Clear Voice feature will be available on Pixel 8 devices following the update, enabling you to remove background noises.
Check out our list of the best Pixel phones if you don’t have one yet or need an upgrade.
