September 2025 Update - Feature Drop for Android 16 and Pixel devices
Google has launched a new Feature Drop update that brings significant improvements to Pixel phones and their connected devices, including the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds Pro 2, as well as general features for Android 16. The update focuses on improving the user interface, supporting wearables, and making it easier to share files and audio between devices.
Material 3 Expressive interface for Pixel phones
The update includes Pixel 6 and later and Pixel Tablet devices. The lock screen has been redesigned to show the clock, date, and weather with a new look, and the status bar and Quick Settings have been tweaked to show up to 16 items with swipe control. In the Pixel Launcher, the At a Glance box has been minimized to add a new icon row, update the search bar, and add a button for direct access to AI mode. The Wallpaper & Style menu includes multiple shapes and colors with animated weather effects such as fog, rain, snow, and sun, with the ability to customize the shape and thickness of the clock font. The Calling screen now supports customizing Calling Cards for each contact with fonts, colors, and images in a similar way to iOS.
Pixel Watch Updates
The Pixel Watch navigation experience has been improved, with Google Maps directions automatically moving to the watch screen when walking or cycling, and the ability to follow directions without having to unlock the phone, providing a more intuitive hands-free experience.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 Improvements
Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts the volume according to the surrounding environment, while Loud Noise Protection protects your hearing from sudden sounds. Gemini Assistant support is also better in noisy environments, with the ability to control calls with head gestures such as shaking or nodding.
General Android features
The update includes new features for Android such as audio sharing with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast for streaming to multiple devices or via QR code, smart editing tools in Gboard to improve tone, style, and spelling correction while maintaining privacy, as well as the ability to create personal avatars or animated cards using personal photos and text. Quick Share has also been optimized to make it easier to share files and audios between different devices.