The Android 16 rollout has begun.
Credit score: Google
After months of beta testing and following an in depth preview forward of Google I/O 2025, Android 16 is now full and is rolling out to units. As traditional, Pixel telephones and tablets are going to be first in line for the software program replace, with handsets from different producers following later (Samsung’s One UI 8 improve, primarily based on Android 16, is already in testing).
As per Google’s documentation, each Pixel telephone and pill for the reason that Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Professional are eligible for Android 16. These telephones had been launched in 2021, so in the event you’ve received both of these handsets or one thing newer, you are good to go.
Maybe the largest replace in Android 16 is the revamped Materials 3 Expressive design language, which Google has already previewed. It is designed to encourage extra engagement and to create extra emotional pull, in addition to being extra intuitive and simpler to make use of. Nevertheless, this Android 16 launch solely “lays the inspiration” for the revamp: Google says the redesign will roll out steadily throughout the course of the yr.
The Android 16 redesign is not included on this first steady launch.
Credit score: Google
Notifications are getting some enhancements. Android 16 introduces Reside Updates, that are much like the Reside Actions already obtainable on iOS. Primarily, it provides actual time updates extra prominence on the house display screen and the lock display screen, so you will not should hold opening an app for sports activities scores or to see the place your Uber is.
Samsung has already carried out one thing like this with the Now Bar in One UI 7, and it ought to enhance the expertise for apps like Google Maps and meals supply apps. The characteristic will launch with “suitable ride-share and meals supply apps,” Google says, with extra integrations to comply with.
Reside Updates give extra prominence to essential notifications.
Credit score: Google
One other notification tweak: Related alerts can be grouped collectively robotically, to keep away from “data overload.” One of many examples Google reveals is a safety digital camera: Relatively than each notification showing individually each time movement is detected, you will get all of them collectively in a single grouped package deal.
Android 16 can also be bringing with it improved assist for listening to aids, with the choice to modify to your telephone’s mic for audio enter if you’re on a name—which ought to imply higher leads to noisy environments. Additionally, native management for listening to units can be showing in Android 16, offering entry to settings similar to quantity ranges.
There is a huge safety improve as nicely, which we have already seen within the Android 16 beta. It builds on the prevailing Superior Safety mode, which is described as “Google’s strongest safety for cell units but” in official communications: Beforehand obtainable for Google accounts on the net, it is now particular to cell units, too, with Android 16, which suggests you’ll be able to handle these protections out of your telephone or pill.
What do you assume thus far?
Superior Safety is now obtainable on telephones and tablets.
Credit score: Google
There are a number of completely different components to Superior Safety, together with stopping USB connections whereas your telephone is locked, stopping automated connections for unsecured wifi networks, and actual time warning for rip-off calls. All of this may be configured by way of the Superior Safety menu in Settings.
Android 16 can also be bringing with it an improved desktop mode, alongside the traces of Samsung DeX. Google says it is truly labored with Samsung to enhance window assist on Android tablets, so that you now have extra management over how your apps are positioned in units with bigger screens.
Android 16 works higher on greater screens.
Credit score: Google
It seems like the larger updates for this characteristic are nonetheless to return: Customized keyboard shortcuts, an improved taskbar, and assist for exterior shows (for the complete DeX expertise) are all arriving “later this yr,” so you will have to attend a bit of longer to make use of this new desktop mode to its fullest.
As traditional, there are quite a few new options behind the scenes for builders too: They cowl simpler entry to digital camera settings like night time mode and shade temperature, higher assist for adaptive layouts that work on any display screen dimension, and even improved consistency for progress bars. Look out for enhancements to your Android apps, and wider assist for the brand new Materials 3 Expressive redesign, as time goes on.
Android 16 additionally features a wealth of extra minor tweaks and enhancements that you simply won’t discover for some time (or may by no means see in any respect). You probably have a Pixel telephone or pill, it is best to get the replace robotically within the coming days, however it’s also possible to verify for it manually: From Settings, select System and Software program updates.
