What’s New in the Jam-Packed November 2025 Pixel Drop

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Google released the November 2025 monthly software update for Google Pixel devices running the new generation Android OS, “Android 16,” which includes regular security vulnerability fixes and feature enhancements. Alongside this, Google also announced multiple new features in the November 2025 “Pixel Drop.”

The November 2025 “Pixel Drop” is quite substantial with a total of 17 features, but 12 of them, which are introduced below, will be rolled out in Japan.

Theme Pack

A new “Theme Pack” feature, inspired by the movie ‘Wicked,’ will be distributed as a “Theme Pack” app on the Google Pixel Store.

The “Theme Pack” app is not yet available in Japan but is scheduled for release soon. Please note that the app will only be available for a limited time until Saturday, January 31, 2026.

“Theme Pack” App Link

Remix in Google Messages

The Google Messages app will roll out “Remix in Google Messages,” a photo editing feature that utilizes the “Nano Banana” image generation AI model.

You can directly edit photos received in the Google Messages app using AI with prompts. However, it is still unclear whether “Remix in Google Messages” will be available in Japan or for the Japanese language environment.

“Google Messages” App Link

Pixel VIPs Upgrade

“Pixel VIPs,” which was rolled out as part of the June 2025 “Pixel Drop,” is getting an upgrade. Message notifications from users designated as “VIPs” will now be displayed with priority.

Additionally, in emergencies, a “crisis badge” will appear on “VIPs” in the “Contacts” widget, allowing you to see important alerts and situations at a glance. “Pixel VIPs” is available on Google Pixel devices from the “Pixel 6” onwards, including “Pixel Tablet” and “Pixel Fold.”

“Pixel VIPs” App Link

Magic Cue “Private AI Compute” Integration

The “Magic Cue” feature, which utilizes the “Gemini Nano” AI model for the new generation Google Pixel devices “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold,” will integrate with the new privacy technology “Private AI Compute” to provide more timely suggestions.

For reference, “Private AI Compute” is Google’s latest AI processing platform that brings the speed and power of “Gemini” to the cloud while ensuring user security and privacy equivalent to on-device processing.

“Device Intelligence” App Link

Google Maps Introduces “Power Saving Mode”

A “Power Saving Mode” will be introduced to the Google Maps app on Google Pixel devices.

When you press the power button while using car navigation in the Google Maps app, it will switch to “Power Saving Mode,” which has a simple layout that displays only key information, such as the next turn. This feature is for the new generation Google Pixel devices: “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” and “Pixel 10 Fold.”

“Google Maps” App Link

Expanded Rollout of “Device Health & Support”

“Device Health & Support,” which was introduced on the new generation Google Pixel devices “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold,” will now be expanded to Google Pixel devices from “Pixel 6” to “Pixel 9.”

The previous “Tips & support” will be revamped into “Device Health & Support.” In addition to the menus previously included in “Tips & support,” it will now consolidate content that allows you to check the device’s status, such as “Battery Health,” “Device temperature,” and “Touch diagnostics.” Features like “Battery Health,” “Device temperature,” and “Touch diagnostics” will be easily accessible from “Device Health & Support,” making it easier to get a comprehensive overview of your device’s condition.

“Device Health Services” App Link

Journal App Support Expanded

The “Journal” app, a journaling support app for written meditation that was initially released for the new generation Google Pixel devices “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold,” will now have its support expanded to Google Pixel devices from the “Pixel 8” series onwards.

The “Journal” app is characterized by its ease of use for journaling. You can, of course, set goals and write consistently, but even if you don’t have a specific goal in mind, you can discover one by simply starting to write and continuing. It also implements features and integrations unique to Android devices, such as goal setting, adding images/videos, adding locations, and integration with the “Health Connect” app.

“Journal” App Link

Magnifier Support Expanded

The “Magnifier” app, exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones, has expanded its support to include three foldable Google Pixel devices that were previously unsupported: “Pixel Fold,” “Pixel 9 Pro Fold,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold.”

Starting with the “Magnifier” app v2.0.0.826324209.release, which was distributed on Friday, October 31, 2025, “Pixel Fold,” “Pixel 9 Pro Fold,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold” are now supported and available for use.

“Magnifier” App Link

New “Wild Hokkaido” Collection Added

In the v3.3 (825845788) update of the “Sounds” app, the exclusive ringtone/notification/alarm sound app for Google Pixel devices, a new “Wild Hokkaido” collection has been added.

Within the “Sound masters” category, the “Wild Hokkaido” collection is available, featuring sounds like “Cicada chorus (Wild Hokkaido),” “Bush warbler’s song (Wild Hokkaido),” and “Winter wren’s song (Wild Hokkaido).”

“Sounds” App Link

“AI Mode” Shortcut Added to Pixel Search Box

An “AI Mode” shortcut for the AI search feature has been added to the “Pixel Search Box,” the search bar located at the bottom of the home screen in the “Pixel Launcher” app, which is exclusive to Google Pixel devices.

While the “AI Mode” shortcut was already added to the “Pixel Search Box” on the new generation Google Pixel devices “Pixel 10,” “Pixel 10 Pro,” “Pixel 10 Pro XL,” and “Pixel 10 Pro Fold,” it has now also been added to the “Pixel Search Box” in “Pixel Launcher” on Google Pixel devices “Pixel 9” and older, allowing for quick activation of “AI Mode.”

Regional Expansion for “Call Notes”

The regional availability of “Call Notes” in the default “Phone by Google” app for Google Pixel devices has been expanded, making it available in many regions, including Japan.

However, in Japan, “Call Notes” in the “Phone by Google” app will only feature call audio recording and transcription; AI summaries will not be rolled out. Additionally, “Call Notes” is available on Google Pixel devices from the “Pixel 9” onwards, excluding the “Pixel 9a.”

“Phone by Google” Link

Expanded Device Support for Japanese “Summaries” in Recorder

Device support for the Japanese “Summaries” feature in the “Recorder” app, exclusive to Google Pixel devices, has been expanded. It is now available on “Pixel 8,” “Pixel 8 Pro,” and “Pixel 8a.”

“Recorder” App Link

Source: Google