November Android 16 update and Pixel Feature Drop: Everything new, how to get it

Google's latest Android 16 update for Pixel owners is here. And with it, a special Pixel Feature Drop. 

The November Android 16 update for Pixel users is an important one. There are important fixes and security patches here, and we'll break down all the major updates for you. First, here's how you update your mobile device.

Go to Settings then System. Next, you'll want to select Software updates (or System update), followed by Check for update. If your device still needs the November update, you will be prompted to update.

According to a Nov. 10 Google post:

We have started to roll out the monthly software update for November 2025. All supported Pixel devices running Android 16 will receive these software updates starting today, and the rollout will continue over the next week in phases, depending on carrier and device. You will receive a notification once the system update is available for your device. We encourage you to check your Android version and update to receive the latest software. 

Everything in the November Pixel Feature Drop

Alongside the security updates in the Android 16 November release (more on that shortly), Google has also announced the rollout of a new Pixel Feature Drop. This Feature Drop is packed with new capabilities for Pixel owners, especially when it comes to messages.

The first major feature is Remix in Google Messages. This new feature allows Pixel users to edit or recreate any photo right inside Google Messages using Nano Banana, Google's Gemini image generation and editing model. Google announced that Nano Banana was coming to Google Photos last month, but now it's finally here.

Nano Banana finally arrives in Google Photos on Pixel devices. Credit: Google

Pixel devices will also be able to provide users with notifications consisting of AI summaries of long text messages, group chats, and conversations across messaging apps. In addition to that, family and close friends deemed VIPs will receive message prioritization in Pixel notifications.

Building on these messaging and notification upgrades is the new Scam Detection feature for Pixel 6 phones and newer. This feature will warn users about potential scam texts with a "Likely scam" label affixed to notifications of messages that are deemed suspicious.

Moving on from notifications, there are more AI photo editing updates, also thanks to Nano Banana. Personalized edits in Google Photos will allow users to request photo edits from AI by just selecting a photo in the app and tapping "Help me edit." Users can then explain via text what exactly they want changed in the photo. An example provided by Google includes a user asking to "Remove Riley's sunglasses, open my eyes, make Engel smile and open her eyes.” Photos responds by making the requested changes to the picture. 

Designated VIPs will be prioritized in notifications. Credit: Google

Google Maps has a new low-power mode to save your battery. Credit: Google

More features in the November Pixel Feature Drop include a power-saving feature in Google Maps, which strips the app down to a simplified layout to extend battery life, and more timely suggestions from the AI-powered Magic Cue, a feature that keeps track of your personal data across apps and accounts.

And, finally, Pixel users who are fans of the hit Broadway show turned hit movie Wicked can take advantage of the included "Wicked: For Good" theme packs, which come with wallpapers, icons, system sounds, and GIFs from the film.

Glinda and Elphaba are coming to Pixel devices. Credit: Google

Everything else in the Android 16 November update

Critically, this Android 16 update includes two important security fixes for issues reported in the Nov. 3 Android Security Bulletin, according to 9to5Google.

What else is included? Most importantly, Google has rolled out a fix for the emergency calling feature that was "causing instability and intermittent problems."

The most visible fix for Android users is related to the camera. Google has patched an issue that was causing a "rainbow like color pattern" in photos taken with the ultrawide and telephoto lenses.

The November update also fixes an audio issue causing "occasional system instability and performance slowdowns," an issue that "prevents some apps from loading," and an error where "webcam mode doesn’t function correctly with connected devices."

In addition, the Android 16 November update provides "general improvements for charging and battery usage" as well.

What devices are eligible for the update?

Google says November Pixel updates are available for the following devices, though some features are only available on Pixel 9 devices and newer. You can see the full list of eligibility requirements at Google's support page.

• Pixel 7a

• Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a

• Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

• Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a

• Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold