Google releases big Android patch with new features

Google has kicked off the month of June with a big and hearty Android 16 update. Frankly, big updates aren’t exactly news, but this update was too helpful to ignore.

Android drops are not like Pixel feature drops; The latter are updates exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones, whereas Android drops are firmware updates that bring new features to mobile devices (phones, tablets) running Android device brands.

What’s New in the Latest Android 16 Update

Many of these features have been previously reported by us; Google has decided that all of this will come in one big wave. We have also added new additions not previously mentioned.

We purposely start this list of updates with the feature that affects Apple devices. On select Android phones and tablets, Google’s Quick Share feature now works with Apple AirDrop to transfer photos and files.

This is especially helpful if you have all your logins and credentials stuck on your iPhone, while your fancy ultra-phones with teleconverter kits and multiple optical zoom lenses have high-quality photos waiting to shine on social media.

Android phones that support Apple AirDrop for file transfer (Google itself says something):

• Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Fold6 (Special Edition), Galaxy Z TriFold
• Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 10a
• Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
• Google Pixel 8a
• Xiaomi 17T Pro
• OnePlus 15
• OPPO Find X9, X9 Pro, X9 Ultra, X9s
• Oppo Find N6
• Vivo X300, X300 Pro, X300 Ultra
• Honor Magic V6

The links above lead to our current reviews.

Google and Android added that the feature is also “coming soon” to Motorola Razr Fold (2026), OPPO Find X8 series and Honor Magic8 Pro.

First out of the gate Fake call detection. Built right into Google’s default Phone app, this feature uses RCS technology to detect whether a number or someone in your contact list is spoofing. All this without you needing to lift a finger (apart from hanging up on the call).

Google Photos’ wardrobe feature now lets you keep a digital copy of the clothes you’re wearing and browse them as individual pieces. Why? Because you can mix and match these pieces to create another whole outfit and share the result with friends.

Note that this feature is only applicable for US, India and Brazil users on Android 10 or later.

Google’s Privacy Protection app has special features for users under the age of 13. They get a personal safety menu with the ability to enable car accident detection (which automatically calls emergency contacts in the event of a car crash), while teenagers can use the app’s location for real-time sharing with emergency contacts. It is available worldwide.

Book Insights for Google Play Books are capable of answering questions about a book’s themes, setting, and characters, without leaving the story. It is available for selected English topics and thousands at no extra cost.

Will there be more?

The patch notes don’t give an exact date for these new additions, but it’s safe to assume they’re ready for phone and tablet brands to incorporate into their respective Android devices and operating system reskins. Google hinted at its next-generation OS, Android 17, and said “more exciting updates” are “coming soon.”