Google has launched Android 16, a major software upgrade for its Pixel smartphones, along with regular feature updates for eligible devices as part of the “Pixel Drop” program. The new release adds group chat support to RCS, AI-powered editing suggestions in Google Photos, and improved accessibility features.
Key features of Android 16 include:
iOS-style live notifications on the lock screen for real-time updates
Improved security with advanced protection mode and Bluetooth Low Energy audio device support
Custom keyboard shortcuts to define actions for finding an app through a combination of hotkeys
Desktop-style windowing support on Android tablets later this year
Google is also rolling out updates to its Google Messages app, adding RCS group chat support, custom icons, and notification mute features. The company’s photo editing app, Google Photos, has new features such as AI-powered suggestions for editing tools like erase or move.
Other notable features include a battery health indicator for certain Pixel devices, enhanced Chrome on Android’s handling of PDFs, and the addition of an Emergency SOS satellite connectivity feature for users in Australia.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/10/google-is-rolling-out-android-16-to-pixel-phones-announces-ai-powered-edit-suggestion-to-google-photos