Google Pixel Drop rollout started, Android 16 worst feature?

Updated on: 2025-06-12

2025-06-12

In June, Google announced the Android 16 rollout, and with the update, the company also launched the Google Pixel Drop feature.

Google released Android 16 for its Pixel devices, and with that, they released the June 2025 Pixel drop feature. The update changed Android core capabilities and added a new set of exclusive tools for Pixel users.

Google has recently introduced a new feature called “Pixel VIPs” to its Pixel devices via the Play Store. For now, this feature is available for Pixel 9 users. We believe other Pixel users might also receive this feature, but older Pixel devices might skip this feature. Users have shown curiosity in this update since it was abruptly released to Google Pixel phones on Sunday night. By offering convenient access and exclusive alerts, the Pixel VIPs service seeks to assist users in keeping deeper ties with significant others.

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What is the Google Pixel drop?

Pixel Feature Drops, which come out every few months, keep your Google Pixel phone, watch, or earbuds new and up to date. Software upgrades, known as “feature drops,” provide your devices with additional features that enhance their functionality and interoperability. They load in the background, offering the latest security features to protect your data and activities, as well as new tools to simplify your life.

Google Pixel drop (Pixel VIPs): New Widget for Google Contacts

The new Pixel VIPs icon is similar to Google Contacts icons, but with a blue heart on top. The main aim of this app is to focus on key relationships. This new Google Pixel drop June 2025 update adds the Pixel VIPs widget, which is similar to the existing favorite contacts widget in Google Contacts. This Pixel VIPs widget displays selected contacts marked with the VIP heart design. One of the interesting features is that it can bypass the phone’s do-not-disturb mode, which means VIP contacts can ignore DND so that you cannot miss important messages and calls.

To view a full-screen feed devoted to their VIP connections, users may either launch connections or touch on the widget. Along with simple choices to contact, chat, or utilize WhatsApp, this feed displays a profile photo. There are birthday reminders on the UI. By showing the most recent call and message made with each VIP contact, it also keeps track of the most recent connection.

It also has a location updates section, which gives us a real-time location of VIP Contacts. The app’s card-style design, which is reminiscent of Google Keep, allows users to make one-off notes. Furthermore, a “Things to do together” area provides activity recommendations according to the user’s interests.

9to5Google noticed that this update was in development from 2024 and earlier; its name was Besties, but Google changed it to VIPs. Devices running the Android 16 QPR1 Beta do not currently have the feature, indicating that certain functionality requires server-side activation. The upgrade has so far deployed silently, and user devices have not yet completely enabled the full experience.

Google is fortifying its brand in a highly competitive smartphone market by presenting its Pixel ecosystem as a fusion of intelligent customisation, health-conscious features, and global inclusivity with Android 16 and the June Pixel Feature Drop.

Query

Q1: What is a Pixel drop?

The Pixel feature drop arrives every few months, these are software updates that improve your devices and might add new features.

Q2: Is Google discontinuing Pixel?

Google has not discontinued pixel devices but after Pixel 9 launch older pixels devices has been discontinued, like Pixel 7 series and Pixel fold. Though you may buy from third party website if the device is available.

Q3: Is Google Pixel 8 coming out?

On October 4, 2023, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were formally unveiled at the annual Made by Google event. On October 12, they were made available in the US.