(Image Source: Google)
Announced on June 11, 2025, and rolling out globally in phases starting the same week, Google’s June 2025 Pixel Drop delivers one of the most significant mid-year updates for Pixel devices. This feature-rich rollout enhances Pixel phones, tablets, and watches with Android 16 and a suite of new AI-powered tools.
Unveiled online via Google’s official blog and developer channels, the update introduces standout features like AI-generated stickers via Gboard, Recorder summaries, and many more. Packed with personalization, productivity, and security upgrades, this global Pixel Drop ensures your device stays intelligent, efficient, and seamlessly connected, right from wherever you are in the world. Let’s dive into what’s new in the June Pixel Drop!
1. Pixel VIPs Widget
(Image Source: Google)
One of the standout features of the June 2025 Pixel Drop is the introduction of the Pixel VIPs Widget, a smart, dynamic home screen addition that keeps your most important contacts front and center. This widget is designed to enhance how you stay connected by offering a personalized, glanceable hub for your closest friends, family, or colleagues.
Once set up, the Pixel VIPs Widget displays recent interactions like calls and messages, including those from third-party apps like WhatsApp. It also shows relevant information such as shared locations, birthdays, and even pinned notes or reminders related to each contact. The widget is not just about visibility, it adds convenience and priority.
You can allow select VIP contacts to bypass Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring you never miss an urgent call or message from the people who matter most. With all data processed and stored on-device, the widget respects your privacy while making communication more intuitive and thoughtful.
2. Gboard AI Stickers
(Image Source: Google)
Google has supercharged Gboard with a fun and creative new feature, an AI-powered sticker generation. This allows Pixel users to create custom stickers instantly, using either text prompts or their own photos. Whether you’re responding to a friend or jazzing up a group chat, these generative stickers offer a whole new way to express yourself.
With a simple prompt like “a cat riding a skateboard” or by selecting an image from your gallery, Gboard uses on-device AI to generate vibrant, personalized stickers. It automatically removes backgrounds and adds creative effects, turning everyday pictures into shareable digital art. This feature integrates seamlessly into your keyboard, so you can use it across messaging apps without switching tools.
Fun, fast, and privacy-conscious, Gboard AI Stickers make conversations more expressive, bringing your imagination to life, one sticker at a time.
3. Pixel Camera Help Hub
(Image Source: Google)
The June 2025 Pixel Drop introduces the Pixel Camera Help Hub, a built-in guide designed to help users make the most of their Pixel’s advanced camera features. Whether you’re new to mobile photography or just exploring different shooting modes, this new addition ensures you always have the right guidance at your fingertips.
Accessible via a “?” icon within the Pixel Camera app, the Help Hub provides mode-by-mode visual tips and tutorials. From Night Sight to Portrait, Macro to Action Pan, each section offers clear, contextual instructions and examples to help you understand what each mode does, and how to use it effectively.
It’s more than just a manual, it’s an interactive learning tool built directly into your camera experience. With real-time assistance and visual cues, the Pixel Camera Help Hub empowers users to capture stunning photos confidently, turning everyday moments into professional-quality memories with ease.
4. Live Search in Magnifier
(Image Source: Google)
Google has enhanced accessibility with the introduction of Live Search in the Magnifier app, a powerful tool designed to help users identify and interact with the world around them in real time.
With this feature, Pixel users can now point their camera at text or objects, and Live Search will instantly detect and interpret what’s on screen, without the need to take a photo. Whether you’re reading a sign, navigating menus, or scanning product labels, the app provides immediate visual and haptic feedback, making it easier for users with low vision to understand their surroundings.
Live Search leverages on-device intelligence to recognize content quickly and securely. It adds a new layer of independence and usability to the Pixel experience, making everyday tasks more intuitive. Thoughtfully designed and privacy-focused, it’s a meaningful step forward in assistive technology on Android.
5. Google Photos: AI Editing Tools
(Image Source: Google)
The June Pixel Drop brings a major upgrade to Google Photos, introducing a new suite of AI-powered editing tools that make enhancing your images easier, smarter, and more intuitive than ever. Central to this update is the new “Reimagine” button, offering one-tap access to a variety of intelligent suggestions designed to instantly improve your photos.
Using on-device generative AI, Google Photos can now apply advanced edits like Magic Eraser to remove unwanted elements, Auto-Framing to perfect composition, Portrait Light for enhanced lighting, and Smart Color Balance to make colors more natural and vibrant. These tools work together seamlessly, giving your photos a professional finish without the need for complex manual editing.
Whether you’re fixing a group shot, refining a landscape, or bringing an old memory back to life, these AI features put powerful creative control in your hands. It’s photo editing, reimagined for everyone.
6. Existing Pixel Features Rolling Out to More Devices and Users
(Image Source: Google)
Google is expanding access to several beloved Pixel features, bringing them to more phones, more users, and more regions. This move is part of Google’s ongoing effort to make the best of Pixel’s smart, helpful experiences available across a broader range of devices.
Features like AI-powered editing tools in Google Photos, Live Caption, and Clear Calling are now rolling out to older Pixel models. Even features that were once exclusive to Pixel 8 Pro, such as on-device AI summarization in Recorder and Magic Editor in Photos, are gradually making their way to other supported devices.
In addition, accessibility tools like Expressive Captions and Live Search in Magnifier are being extended to more users globally, with broader language support and regional availability. This expansion ensures that the Pixel experience remains inclusive, consistent, and future-forward, no matter which device you’re using.
7. Expressive Captions
(Image Source: Google)
Google has introduced Expressive Captions, a powerful accessibility feature designed to make audio content more understandable and engaging, especially for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. But its usefulness goes far beyond accessibility.
Expressive Captions use on-device AI to generate real-time subtitles for any video or audio playing on your phone, whether it’s from a streaming app, social media, or even a voice message. The ability to go beyond plain transcription, sets this feature apart. It captures nuances like tone, emotion, sound effects, and even speaker emphasis, helping users better interpret the context and mood of the content.
8. Pixel Watch Update
(Image Source: Google)
Google has rolled out a significant update for the Pixel Watch lineup, bringing Wear OS 5.1 and enhanced Android 15 features to all models. This update focuses on convenience, customization, and seamless integration, making everyday tasks faster and smarter, right from your wrist.
-
Tap-to-Pay Transit Made Easier
Pixel Watch users can now tap for public transit even when the Wallet app is closed, offering a quicker, more reliable commute. The feature supports stored payment cards and transit passes.
-
Personalized Smart Home Controls
The Google Home app on Pixel Watch now lets you choose different Favorites for each device. That means you can set up unique home control shortcuts on your watch, independent of your Pixel phone, giving you tailored control at a glance.
-
Fresh Look and Better Performance
This update introduces new watch faces, smoother UI transitions, and overall performance improvements. Along with the latest June 5, 2025 security patch (build BW1A.250605.004), it brings better stability, speed, and security across the board.
To install the update, head to; Settings → System → System update on your Pixel Watch.
With these enhancements, the Pixel Watch becomes even more powerful as a personalized, on-the-go assistant, offering faster payments, smarter home access, and a smoother overall experience.
