Android 16: In abstract
- Google’s subsequent main model of its working system for Android telephones and tablets
- Formally launched 10 June, beginning with Pixel units
- Vital modifications revealed, together with new Materials 3 Expressive person interface design
Google releases a serious new model of Android yearly, and it’s no completely different in 2025 with Android 16.
The Pixel-maker revealed all at a devoted occasion forward of Google I/O 2025 and has launched Android 16 a lot sooner than regular.
Right here’s the whole lot it is advisable know, together with if and when your cellphone or pill will get upgraded to Android 16.
When will Android 16 be launched?
In abstract
- Android 16 formally revealed on 13 Might, per week earlier than I/O convention
- Launched on 10 June, a lot sooner than regular, however just for the newest Pixel telephones
- QPR1 Beta 3 obtainable for older Pixels now, however full rollout will take many months
Google formally revealed Android 16 at its ‘The Android Present: I/O Version’ occasion on 13 Might. For those who missed it, you possibly can watch it again in full.
After a “See you again right here tomorrow” teaser conveniently timed to coincide with Apple’s WWDC convention, Android 16 was formally launched on 10 June.
It’s obtainable now for suitable Pixel units and was launched together with the June Pixel Drop, bringing new options to Google’s own-brand telephones, similar to Pixel VIPs and Expressive Captions.
Importantly, nevertheless, Android 16 doesn’t but embrace the massive UI design overhaul referred to as Materials 3 Expressive, which is able to come beginning with Pixel units “later this 12 months”. You’ll must obtain the Android 16 beta to strive that out now – the newest model is QPR1 Beta 3, although it’s solely obtainable on Pixel 6 and newer.
Samsung has turn out to be the primary third-party producer to launch its Android 16 pores and skin, with One UI 8 debuting on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE. Anticipate loads of others, together with Motorola, OnePlus, Honor and extra, to observe within the coming months.
Then, the Pixel 10 sequence is more likely to be the primary set of telephones that ship operating Android 16 out of the field, set to reach in August.
As a reminder, listed here are the discharge dates of earlier variations of the system:
- Android 15 – September 2024
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Sources: Google
Which telephones are getting Android 16?
In abstract
- All Android 15 telephones which can be nonetheless supported by updates ought to get Android 16
- Rollout begins with Pixel 6 or later
- Timeline for rollout is dependent upon particular producers and age of system
As with each main Android replace, a variety of Android telephones (and different units like tablets) from completely different producers will obtain the Android 16 replace.
Google’s personal Pixel telephones are all the time the primary to get new Android variations, and Android 16 is suitable with the Pixel 6 sequence onwards, so contains the Pixel 7 sequence, Pixel 8 sequence and Pixel 9 sequence.
As well as, many present and future Android flagship telephones from firms similar to Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi and others are anticipated to obtain Android 16.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’s essential to notice, nevertheless, that producers sometimes roll out updates primarily based on system tiers and regional methods. Excessive-end units often obtain updates first, adopted by mid-range and price range fashions.
For those who’re uncertain, listed here are all of the units anticipated to get the Android 16 replace.
Sources: Android Replace Tracker
What new options will we see in Android 16?
In abstract
- New ‘Materials 3 Expressive’ person interface revealed
- Much more intensive customisation choices
- Key system apps get redesigned
Confirmed options
Google has confirmed that the entire following options will probably be obtainable in Android 16. A number of others are at present obtainable in QPR1 Beta 3 (as Android Authority experiences), the newest model of the beta on the time of writing, however the principle ones are all included under.
New ‘Materials 3 Expressive’ design
Materials 3 Expressive is the largest overhaul of the Android design in years. It goals to make your Android cellphone or pill really feel “extra fluid, private and glanceable”.
One of many key enhancements is what Google is asking “extra pure, springy animations”, making the units “really feel extra human” relatively than inanimate items of expertise. That is achieved visually, but additionally utilizing haptic suggestions to supply a refined, life like vibration.
For instance, when dismissing a notification, your cellphone will reply to the dragging of your finger. Different notifications and different components will reply as in the event that they’re affected by the vibration. The notification shade is barely blurred, permitting you to nonetheless see the app that’s displayed under.
As you possibly can see above, there’s additionally a brand new vary of themes, fonts and different “responsive parts”, enabling much more customisation choices.
Redesigned system apps
Lots of Google’s hottest apps are additionally getting an overhaul, together with Well being Join, Gmail and Google Pictures, all of that are proven under.
Model-new Cellphone app
One of many greatest modifications coming with Materials 3 Expressive is an overhaul of the principle ‘Cellphone’ app. The principle factor you’ll discover is the brand new feel and appear, as you possibly can see from the Google’s official screenshots under:
Nonetheless, Google has additionally highlighted three most important modifications to the app’s performance.
A brand new ‘Dwelling’ tab will embrace individuals who have just lately been in touch with you, but additionally a brand new ‘Favorites’ bar alongside the highest for straightforward entry to particular folks.
The decision log under will now be displayed in full chronological order, relatively than a number of calls with the identical contact being grouped into one view.
Lastly, when receiving a name, you’ll now have the choice to swipe to reply (proper) or decline (left). Google says this transformation is being carried out to keep away from unintended declines and solutions whenever you take the cellphone out of your pocket.
Sources: Google
New Fast Settings menu
It’s not simply apps which can be getting a recent coat of paint. The Fast Settings panel, accessible by swiping down from the highest of the display screen, additionally has a brand new feel and appear.
Except for the aesthetics, Google additionally says it’ll permit you to “squeeze in additional of your favourite [sic] actions”. In different phrases, extra of the short settings you employ often will probably be obtainable with a single faucet.
Each the quantity slider and full management panel are additionally set to be redesigned.
Reside Updates
Google can also be including its personal model of Apple’s ‘Reside Actions’ to Android 16.
Referred to as ‘Reside Updates’, it builds an replace into the notification shade, permitting you to simply see what’s occurring with out being distracted by different notifications.
As for supported apps, we all know Uber Eats is included, plus “prime supply, rideshare and navigation apps”.
Desktop Mode
Android 16 can also be getting a desktop mode, permitting you to attach your cellphone to an exterior show for a desktop-like expertise.
Sound acquainted? It seems to be similar to Samsung DeX, which was first launched in 2017 and have become obtainable wirelessly three years later.
The truth is, Google confirmed at its I/O keynote that Desktop Mode is “constructed on the foundations of Samsung DeX”, and that it’s been working with Samsung on the function.
Sources: SamMobile
Rumoured options
Whereas these options have all been rumoured or leaked, Google is but to verify in the event that they’ll be included in Android 16.
Customisable incoming name display screen
It seems to be like Android 16 will lastly give you a selection as to the way you reply calls.
On Pixel telephones (and plenty of different Android 15 handsets), you’re merely offered with a ‘Swipe as much as reply’ choice. However Android 16 might get new choices for devoted ‘Reply’ and ‘Decline’ buttons, or a left (decline) and proper (reply) pill-shaped button.
Sources: 9to5Google
Share audio
In Android 16’s QPR1 Beta 1, the newest model on the time of writing, you’ll discover a function in Settings generally known as ‘Audio sharing’.
Because the title suggests, this lets you let different folks take heed to the identical factor as you if they’ve the username and password. Nonetheless, for it to work, you’ll want headphones that assist Bluetooth LE audio.
Sources: 9to5Google
Smaller (however not detachable) At a Look widget
One of many most important frustrations with Pixel telephones has been the ‘At a Look’ widget, which shows the likes of the date, your calendar (together with upcoming occasions) and the climate.
Nonetheless, you possibly can’t take away it from the house display screen until you obtain a unique launcher. Primarily based on a beta, that gained’t be altering, although you may make it smaller than earlier than.
Sources: 9to5Google
Redesigned lock display screen
The default lock display screen can also be getting some tweaks in response to a beta. These embrace the At a Look widget shifting from its regular place on the prime of the display screen to under the principle clock, with the date and time to the precise of it.
Presumably, this will nonetheless be customised to your liking.
Sources: 9to5Google
Redesigned notifications panel
Judging from the beta, Android 16’s notifications tray can also be getting a brand new look.
This contains shortcut buttons to ‘Clear all’ and consider notification historical past and settings, which seem instantly under an inventory of incoming notifications. They apparently disappear when there aren’t any notifications.
By default, your newest notification is proven in full, with others simply represented by an icon. That is ‘Compact view’, however the brand new ‘Full listing’ setting permits you to present each one intimately.
A brand new devoted ‘Notifications on lock display screen’ web page helps deal with all this.
Sources: 9to5Google
Google is contemplating including stackable widgets to Android, permitting customers to group a number of widgets and swipe by way of them, much like the organisation on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This function would assist save dwelling display screen area and enhance organisation.
Google has talked about wanting into stackable widgets for the Android Open-Supply Venture (AOSP), which might make it simpler for producers to undertake. Nonetheless, there’s no timeline for its launch, and it’s unclear if improvement has begun.
Whereas not confirmed, the function can be a welcome addition for higher dwelling display screen administration.
Sources: YouTube
Lock display screen widgets
Google has additionally introduced that will probably be increasing lock display screen widgets to extra Android telephones and tablets. At present, this function is just obtainable on the Pixel Pill.
Lock display screen widgets will probably be reintroduced with Android 16, marking their return after being eliminated in earlier Android variations. Google has confirmed that builders will be capable of allow these widgets quickly after Android 16’s official launch, which is predicted in June.
Though the function isn’t but lively on Android 16 beta units, Android Authority managed to activate it and found an fascinating element.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
On the Pixel Pill, customers can entry widgets by swiping proper on the lock display screen. Nonetheless, on smartphones, widgets are linked to Android’s screensaver mode, which solely prompts when the system is charging or docked.
Happily, Google will permit builders to resolve how the widget interface is triggered, which means cellphone producers could implement completely different approaches.
Sources: Google | Android Authority
Notification abstract function
A report means that Google is testing a brand new notification summaries function in Android 16, designed to robotically summarise dialog notifications from messaging apps. Found in Beta 3, the function seems in Settings > Notifications with an choice to exclude particular apps from summarisation.
In contrast to Apple’s broad notification summaries, Google’s method is extra restricted, summarising solely dialog notifications explicitly designated by apps. The function is predicted to depend on on-device AI utilizing Google’s Gemini Nano mannequin, which can restrict its accuracy because of the quick and infrequently ambiguous nature of notifications.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
Whereas current in Beta 3, it’s at present non-functional, suggesting it might not launch with Android 16’s steady launch however might arrive in a later replace or Android 17.
Sources: Android Authority
Customisable icon shapes
In keeping with Android Authority, Google is bringing again icon form customisation to the Pixel Launcher, a function final seen in Android 11. Now, in Android 16 Beta 3, an “app form & format” menu has been found, permitting customers to select from six completely different icon shapes.
The function applies a masks to dwelling display screen, app drawer, and folder icons however doesn’t have an effect on icons within the recents display screen or Settings app. The obtainable shapes embrace circle, sq., and extra advanced geometric designs.
Sources: Android Authority
Redesigned Settings app
Google can also be apparently testing a redesigned Settings app in Android 16 Beta 3, geared toward bettering navigation and visible readability.
The brand new “expressive” design introduces Materials You switches with X or checkmark icons, settings entries positioned in distinct playing cards, arrow icons indicating subpages, and a repositioned header to show extra objects at a look.
Different minor tweaks embrace a bubble for the again arrow and bigger dropdown capsules, however the principle Settings homepage stays unchanged.
Whereas this design is current within the newest beta, it might not launch with Android 16’s steady launch and will arrive in a later replace or Android 17.
Sources: Android Authority
Refreshed standing bar
Google can also be reportedly engaged on a refreshed standing bar for Android, with new icons showing in Android 16 Beta 3.
The newest beta contains modifications to the Wi-Fi sign power icon, which now shows three segments as a substitute of 5, and a redesigned battery icon with a dynamic color scheme. The battery icon shifts from white to pink when low and turns inexperienced whereas charging. It additionally contains a bolder font for the proportion and a flipped orientation.
As with the redesigned Settings app, these new icons will not be but enabled by default in Android 16 Beta 3, and it’s unsure whether or not they may seem within the ultimate launch. They may as a substitute arrive in a later Android 16 replace and even in Android 17, doubtlessly alongside a redesigned notifications and Fast Settings panel.
Sources: Android Authority
New options for three-button navigation
Android Authority experiences that within the upcoming Android 16 replace, customers of three-button navigation will achieve the power to preview their subsequent display screen by urgent and holding the again button.
Though this function is in early improvement, it already works with apps like Google Calendar, although some performance, such because the preview for returning to the house display screen, isn’t but absolutely operational. Predictive again assist for three-button navigation would possibly seem as early as its first beta.
Past predictive again, Android 16 would possibly introduce a nook swipe gesture for summoning the default assistant when utilizing three-button navigation.
Customers are additionally hoping for extra enhancements, similar to the power to customize the order of the again and up to date buttons. These updates intention to reinforce the expertise for customers preferring or depend on three-button navigation.
Sources: Android Authority
Display-off Fingerprint Unlock
As per one other Android Authority report, with the second developer preview (DP2) of Android 16, Google launched a brand new choice to make use of fingerprint unlock even when the display screen is off.
Historically, under-display fingerprint scanners require the display screen to be woken earlier than unlocking. Nonetheless, Android 16 DP2 resolves this inconvenience with the ‘Display-off Fingerprint Unlock’ setting.
Android Authority
This function is accessible through the ‘Safety & Privateness’ settings and has been confirmed to perform successfully on the Google Pixel 9 Professional.
If customers are hesitant to put in Android 16 DP2, there are alternate options to make sure the fingerprint scanner stays prepared to be used. These embrace enabling the ‘At all times present time and data’ choice, the ‘Carry to examine cellphone’ setting, or the ‘Faucet to examine cellphone’ function, all discovered within the show and lock display screen settings.
Sources: Android Authority
Superior Safety Mode
Android 16 is predicted to reinforce its safety features with a brand new Superior Safety Mode.
This mode, initially launched for Google accounts, is perhaps expanded to supply app-level safety customisation. Apps will be capable of detect if this mode is enabled and apply extra safety measures, similar to further authentication steps or display screen locks.
Sources: Android Authority
Press the facility button twice to open the pockets
As per Android Authority, Android 16 Beta 2 introduces a brand new function that permits customers to entry their pockets by double-pressing the facility button, a gesture beforehand reserved for launching the digicam.
Whereas customers nonetheless must confirm their id earlier than making transactions, this function streamlines the method. The setting might be adjusted below ‘Gestures’ within the cellphone’s settings, the place customers can select between launching the digicam or their pockets.
Moreover, this perform isn’t restricted to Google Pockets, permitting customers to pick different pockets apps if most well-liked.
Sources: Android Authority
A brand new option to set off the screensaver
One other discovery means that Android 16 might introduce a brand new option to activate the display screen saver with out requiring the system to be docked.
At present, Android solely permits the display screen saver to be triggered in two situations: whereas charging or when docked and charging. Since Android doesn’t recognise many charging stands as docks, customers should allow the primary choice to activate the display screen saver.
Nonetheless, this additionally means the display screen saver will activate with any kind of charger, which might be inconvenient for many who solely need it when their system is on a stand.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
In keeping with a report from Android Authority, one key addition could possibly be a “postured” set off for display screen savers, permitting activation solely when the system is upright on a stand whereas charging, relatively than with any charger.
Whereas this code has been present in Beta 2, the function isn’t but lively, and it stays to be seen whether or not will probably be obtainable.
Sources: Android Authority
Zoom in on the keyboard
Magnification is an accessibility instrument inside Android which lets you rapidly zoom into content material on the display screen to make it simpler to learn.
In Beta 3, Android 16 extends this to incorporate the keyboard, with a single faucet of the shortcut button permitting you to.
Sources: Android Authority
Pin/unpin apps shortcut in Desktop Mode
Android’s desktop mode permits you to join your cellphone to a pill or exterior show for a PC-like expertise.
In Beta 3, Google has made it simpler to handle which apps are within the taskbar, permitting you to easily long-press one within the app drawer and select “pin to taskbar” or “unpin from taskbar”.
Sources: Android Authority
You might also be all in favour of our information to the perfect telephones – all of the non-iPhone fashions will certainly get the Android 16 replace sooner or later.
