Google has officially released Android 16, beginning its rollout to supported Pixel devices — including the Pixel 6 series and newer — with other brands expected to receive the update later this year. This release marks the earliest major Android version launch in recent years, offering users quicker access to the latest features.
Android 16 introduces a range of upgrades designed to improve accessibility, usability, productivity, and security. From real-time updates on your lock screen to improved multitasking tools for tablets, this update brings Android devices closer to a seamless, desktop-like experience.
Smarter Notifications and Live Updates
Android 16 overhauls notification management with smarter grouping and live activity updates. Users will now see notifications from the same app grouped together automatically to reduce clutter.
Waiting for a delivery or ride? “Live updates keep you informed in real-time,” with compatible apps showing current status on the lock screen — similar to iOS’s Live Activities. Google is also working with other brands like Samsung, OPPO, and OnePlus to expand this functionality.
Another addition is Notification Cooldown, which silences repetitive alerts for two minutes, helping users avoid being overwhelmed by constant pings.
Improved Accessibility for Hearing Aid Users
Accessibility gets a major boost with Android 16, especially for users with hearing aids. You can now control hearing devices natively on Android, including volume adjustments and switching between audio inputs.
“Now you can switch to using your phone’s microphone for clearer calls in noisy environments,” addressing a key concern for LE Audio hearing device users whose built-in mics often struggle to pick up the speaker’s voice.
Enhanced Security with Advanced Protection
Android 16 places a strong emphasis on security. With the tap of a button, users can activate Advanced Protection, a comprehensive suite of features designed to guard against scam calls, harmful apps, and phishing attempts.
“Advanced Protection gives you greater peace of mind that you’re protected against the most sophisticated attacks,” making it ideal for both everyday users and high-risk individuals like journalists or public figures.
Other safety updates include Identity Check, which uses biometric verification outside trusted locations to prevent account takeovers, and Auto Screen Sharing Termination, which ends screen sharing automatically after a call.
Desktop-Like Productivity on Tablets
Android 16 brings Desktop Windowing to large-screen devices, allowing users to open, move, and resize multiple apps on the same screen — just like a PC. While this feature is not part of the initial stable release, it will roll out later this year on compatible devices.
Users can also look forward to custom keyboard shortcuts and taskbar overflow, which make multitasking easier by letting users quickly switch between open apps or trigger common actions with hotkeys.
For developers and power users, Android 16 also introduces a Linux terminal with Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), enabling graphical Linux apps to run securely on Pixel devices.
More Features Coming
Other notable features include support for HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate for better battery life and smoother visuals, APV codec for high-quality media playback, and Find Hub, a redesigned Find My Device platform with extended tracking capabilities.
Some updates — including the full rollout of Material 3 Expressive design and Wear OS 6 enhancements — will arrive later in 2025.
Devices Eligible for Android 16 Stable Update:
- Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
- Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
- Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a
- Pixel 9 series (including Fold and XL)
- Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet
As Android 16 continues to roll out, more users can expect a refined experience with enhanced visuals, stronger security, and increased functionality across devices.