Google released Android 16 with AI features and an update to Pixel smartphones

Google has begun rolling out Android 16 to Pixel smartphones, introducing a number of innovations ranging from interface improvements to artificial intelligence-based features. The update came a day after Apple’s announcements at WWDC.

Android 16 includes support for RCS group chats, AI prompts for editing in Google Photos, and updates for Google Wallet – now you can use corporate icons. The focus is also on accessibility: notification settings and contact personalization have been improved.

The update gets live notifications on the lock screen and a new Material 3 Expressive visual style. To protect users, anti-theft features and an enhanced security mode for public faces have been added.

Android 16 has extended Bluetooth LE support for using wireless audio devices as microphones and volume control. There are also plans to launch windows mode on tablets and customizable hotkeys.

Along with Android 16 came another “Pixel Drop,” a suite of additional features for Google devices. It includes improvements to security, notifications, and message management.

Users will be able to turn off notifications in individual chats and select custom icons. The Google Messages update is already available for Android 16 devices.