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

Android Drops are not the same as Pixel Feature Drops; the latter are updates that are exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones, whereas Android Drops are firmware updates that also brings new features to mobile devices (phones, tablets) to device brands running on an Android.

What’s new in the latest Android 16 update

Many of these features were previously reported by us; Google has decided that it’s all coming in one huge wave. We’ve also included new additions that weren’t mentioned before.

Android Quick Share Apple AirDrop

Google Android Quick Share is now compatible with Apple AirDrop

Screenshot: HWZ (via Google)

We’re deliberately starting this list of updates with a feature that affects Apple devices. On select Android phones and tablets, Google’s Quick Share feature now works with Apple AirDrop for transferring photos and files.

This is especially helpful if your logins and credentials are all stuck inside your iPhone, while your fancy Ultra phones with teleconverter kits and multiple optical zoom lenses have a bank of high-quality photos waiting for their time to shine on social media.

Android phones that support Apple AirDrop for file transfers (Google ownself say one):

The links above lead to our existing reviews.

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

Fake Call Detection

Fake Call Detection on Android

Screenshot: HWZ (via Google)

First out of the gate is Fake Call Detection. Built directly into Google’s default Phone app, this feature can tell whether a call is spoofing a number or someone in your contact list using RCS technology. All this comes without needing you to lift a finger (other than to hang up on the call).

Google Photos wardrobe via Google Photos

Google Photos wardrobe via Google Photos

Screenshot: HWZ (via Google)

Google Photos’ wardrobe feature now keeps a digital copy of the clothes you wear, letting you browse them as individual pieces. Why? That’s because you can also mix and match these pieces to create another outfit altogether, and share the outcome with friends.

Note that the feature is only applicable to U.S., India, and Brazil users on Android 10 or newer, for a start.

Personal Safety app

Personal Safety app

Screenshot: HWZ (via Google)

Google’s Personal Safety app has special features for users under the age of 13. They get a curated Personal Safety menu with the ability to turn on Car Crash Detection (auto-calling of emergency contacts in a car accident), while teenagers can use App Location for real-time sharing with emergency contacts. This is available globally.

Google Play Books grants book insights

Google Play Books grants book insights

Screenshot: HWZ (via Google)

Book Insights for Google Play Books are capable of giving recaps, answer questions about the book’s themes, context, and characters, without breaking out of the story. This is available for select English titles, which number in the thousands at no extra cost.

Will there be more to come?

The patch notes did not give an exact date to 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 also hinted at its next-generation OS, Android 17, having said that “more exciting updates” are “coming soon”.