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Google tells Ars that despite the added screen real estate, foldables like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t have on-device windowing like tablets. Phones and foldables will only have the connected display option for the desktop interface. Additionally, it will be up to OEMs to support this feature. Google’s phones will support windowing, but some devices that ship with Android 16 will only have the standard display mirroring option for external screens.
In addition to a raft of feature updates planned for later in 2025, this is the first Android update that is part of Google’s revised release schedule. In the past, new versions of Android would launch in the fall, right around when Google released new Pixel phones (or Nexus phones, if you go back far enough). Now, Google says it intends to do a major release in late spring, with a smaller update for APIs and features at the end of the year.
So, despite a relative lack of headlining features, this is Android’s “big” 2025 update. There are some things to look forward to, but most of the flashy fun will come some months down the line.
And a Pixel Drop
Alongside the Android 16 update, Google is announcing a new Pixel Drop. Like Android 16, there isn’t a ton here. Google says Expressive Captions are coming to the UK, Australia, and Canada, which is nice but should not require a system update. There’s also better support for hearing aids and live search in the magnifier app.
The only really notable change in the Pixel Drop is the addition of Pixel VIPs, which is an enhancement of the traditional favorite contacts. The contacts you designate as VIPs will be available on a home screen widget and listed in a new interface that includes recent messages (from Messages and WhatsApp), personal info you’ve added (like birthdays), and the contact’s location (if shared). Your VIPs can also bypass Do Not Disturb in both Messages and WhatsApp.
The new Pixel Drop features are coming to phones with the Android 16 update, but these additions are only for Pixels.
Updated 6/10 with more details on desktop windowing support.
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