For years, Google launched the most recent model of Android within the third quarter of the 12 months, normally towards the top of summer time or the start of autumn. Android 16 was as a substitute launched a lot earlier, so it’s already out within the wild. Which means people with trendy smartphones can count on it sooner quite than later.
Usually, it’s best to at all times settle for official updates. Not solely do you get the most recent options, however you additionally get safety updates that preserve your telephone protected. So, for those who determine to take the replace for no different cause, that alone must be adequate. Whereas Google I/O 2025, the Android I/O Present, and the developer’s beta gave us a reasonably good peek at the way forward for Android, I have been testing out the brand new replace now that it is formally right here.
So, if you wish to get enthusiastic about recent, new options, I’ve some cool new stuff to share. If you happen to’re ready to push the replace button, listed below are some options that Google has packed into Android 16 that will assist persuade you to undergo with it.
Materials 3 Expressive
Credit score: Google
Let’s begin with what you’re most certainly to see first, and that’s Android 16’s new Materials 3 Expressive UI replace. This introduces a bunch of adaptive and responsive UI components to the OS, from buttons that jiggle while you work together with them to app controls which can be extra colourful and dynamic than their extra static predecessors.
You could find some examples in Google’s video for it, nevertheless it’s all fairly effectively thought out. It received’t change the performance of something, however by giving every part a recent coat of paint and a extra accountable nature, it undoubtedly makes Android 16 really feel completely different from Android 15, and that’ll develop into much more obvious as soon as extra apps assist the brand new UI.
Adaptive apps make foldables even cooler
Credit score: Google
Talking of apps, Google put some sauce in Android 16 to make these work higher, too. This one received’t be readily obvious but as builders want time to combine it, however the thought is neat. Google calls it Adaptive Apps, and the thought is for app builders to make their apps for a wide range of display screen sizes as a substitute of only one. Now that we’re within the period of foldables, a developer making a mobile-only UI for his or her apps is rather more noticeable, and Adaptive Apps fixes that problem.
The thought is fairly easy. Apps would look regular on a typical smartphone show, however would mechanically unfold out over the width of the display screen for those who use them on a pill or a foldable. This solves one of many largest ache factors with bigger shows in that mobile-only apps nonetheless solely operate a technique. Like Materials 3 Expressive, app builders will want a while to get this going, however as soon as they do, it’ll look superior.
Mashable Mild Pace
Dwell replace notifications (and stacked notifications)
Credit score: Google
One among my favourite issues about Android updates yearly is the enhancements to notifications. For Android 16, there are two. The primary is what Google calls reside replace notifications, or “consistent progress notifications” for those who have a look at the API. These notifications provide you with real-time notifications that ship fixed updates. This was made for instances like when ordering Doordash and the notification will present you the driving force’s progress with no need to open the app. There are doubtless different use instances as effectively and builders have free rein to make use of it.
The opposite enchancment is auto-grouping notifications. These take notifications from the identical app and stack them up in a single notification so that you don’t need to flick away two, three, or much more notifications from the identical app. This simplifies the notification shade by decreasing the full variety of notifications when the identical app is sending a bunch of them, which I personally can’t wait to see.
Desktop home windows
Credit score: Google
With Android 16, Google launched desktop home windows to the expertise. These will doubtless be used most frequently on bigger screens like computer systems or tablets, nevertheless it brings Android one step nearer to the opposite OS that makes use of home windows. You recognize the one. In any case, this may undoubtedly play with Samsung’s DeX mode. It isn’t obtainable but, however will probably be later this 12 months, however folks had been in a position to strive it out with the QPR1 Beta 2 construct earlier this 12 months.
As well as, bigger shows received extra love from Google. Exterior show assist has been improved as a operate of Android 16 really having an actual desktop mode now. It will make utilizing your gadgets on bigger screens with peripherals like keyboards and mice significantly better, and provides you one more approach to make use of your system otherwise.
Extra safety protections in order for you them
Credit score: Google
Safety is at all times a major focus with a significant Android replace, and Android 16 isn’t any completely different. Google added a couple of new instruments that will help you keep protected and personal. One is known as Id Examine, which forces biometrics when accessing particular settings and options exterior of trusted areas. For instance, in case your telephone is stolen and brought elsewhere, they received’t have the ability to entry your password autofill with out your fingerprint.
The opposite large addition is Superior Safety, which principally acts like Home windows Defender. It’s a built-in safety suite that may establish dangerous apps, shield from on-line assaults, and even block spam calls. Lastly, there’s additionally the Security Examine function within the Private Security app that allows you to examine in along with your family members for those who’re liable to private damage or going someplace by your self.
Higher accessibility, particularly for listening to aids
Credit score: Google
Accessibility additionally received a reasonably large enhance, which is thrilling for these with impairments. Functionally, the one we predict most individuals will use is the improved assist for listening to gadgets within the name app. This provides assist for extra listening to system manufacturers and allows you to use LE Audio gadgets extra simply throughout calls.
As well as, you should use your Android 16 telephone as a microphone enter to your LEA listening to aids and likewise alter the ambient quantity for LE Audio listening to gadgets, permitting you to handle your listening to system rather more successfully. Android 16 additionally consists of native assist for Auracast broadcast audio, which permits Bluetooth LE Audio gadgets to hook up with a number of sources, which could be a boon for the listening to impaired as effectively.
Credit score: Google
These are simply a few of the highlights of Android 16. We didn’t even point out the app drawer blurring, APV codec assist, and the number of enhancements which can be coming to Pixel gadgets, just like the hybrid auto publicity function. It’s not the most important Android replace we’ve ever seen, nevertheless it’s received loads of neat stuff to take a look at as quickly as you hit that replace button.
