Android 16 was just released by Google, with Pixel smartphones being the first to be released on June 11, 2025. This new edition features smarter notifications. It offers strong security. It also provides a seamless experience across smartphones, tablets, and foldables. Here is all you need to know about what’s new. Find out which devices are compatible. Learn how to update if you’re excited to explore everything that Android has to offer.
What Has Android 16 Got to Offer?
Android 16 improves upon its predecessor by adding features that increase your device’s usability, security, and accessibility. The ensuing are the salient features:
More Intelligent Alerts Live Updates: Android 16 introduces dynamic notifications for real-time tracking. These are useful for ride-sharing, food delivery, or navigation apps. They are modeled after iOS’s Live Activities. The lock screen, status bar, and always-on screen all prominently show these. Auto-Grouping: Bid farewell to excessive notifications. To keep your notification shade tidy and controllable, Android 16 aggregates related notifications. Notification Cooldown: This feature gives you a break during notification bursts. It does so by lowering alert volume. It also limits alerts for up to two minutes.
Improved Privacy and Security Identity Check: Use biometric authentication to safeguard sensitive operations. This includes actions like modifying account settings. Make sure you do this when you’re not in a trusted place. Trade-in Mode: Do you intend to exchange your gadget? The operation is smooth since this mode guarantees safe diagnostic access on erased devices. Advanced Protection: Android 16 fortifies protections against dangerous websites, malicious apps, scam calls, and online threats. Local Network Protection: To improve privacy, apps must now obtain express consent before connecting to your home network devices. WiFi 6 Security: Android 16 improves secure proximity-based functions like device unlocking by supporting 802.11az and AES-256 encryption.
3. Improvements to Accessibility
Phone as Mic Entry: You can now use your smartphone as a microphone. This will enhance call clarity in noisy settings for LE Audio hearing aids.
Controls for Hearing Aids: For a more seamless experience, control your hearing aids straight from your Android smartphone.
With Auracast support, you may share music with several Bluetooth LE devices. These could be speakers or headphones. You don’t need to pair them all.
4. Efficiency and Personalization
Satellite texting: Android 16 for Pixel devices allows for off-grid or emergency satellite-based texting (needs suitable hardware).
Improved Large-Screen Support: Enhanced multitasking and app scaling for a desktop-like experience, tailored for tablets and foldables.
Material You Evolution: New theme, icon, and widget customization choices to give your smartphone a distinctively personal touch.
Eligible Devices for Android 16
Google Pixel devices are the first to be released with Android 16. Other devices from Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are anticipated to follow in the upcoming months. The first list of Pixel devices that qualify is as follows:
Pixel 6 and above (includes Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold)
Pixels 6a, 7a, and 8a
Folding Pixel
Tablet Pixel
Eligibility for non-Pixel devices is determined by the manufacturer’s update schedule. Major brands usually support several mid-range models. They also support their flagship devices released during the last two to three years. For precise dates, check with the maker of your device, but expect Android 16 to be available on devices like:
Samsung Galaxy: Z Fold/Flip 4 and 5, S22, S23, S24 series, and several A-series phones.
OnePlus: Open, OnePlus 11, and OnePlus 12.
Xiaomi: a few Redmi models as well as the Xiaomi 13 and 14.
How to Update to Android 16
Are you prepared to install Android 16 on your device? To find and install the update, take the following actions:
Look for any updates:
Open your Android device’s Settings app.
Go to System > Update System.
To check for updates, tap Check. An opportunity to download Android 16 will appear if it is available.
Get Your Device Ready:
To prevent data charges, make sure your device is linked to WiFi.
Throughout the update, make sure your device is plugged in or charged to at least 50%.
Just in case, save a backup of your most important data (files, pictures, etc.) to Google Drive or another service.
Install and download:
Tap Download and install the update if it’s available.
Please be patient while the update downloads, since it may be many gigabytes in size.
Android 16 will be installed on your device after it has finished downloading.
Troubleshooting:
Your device could not be eligible yet, or the distribution might be phased in, if the update doesn’t show up. In a few days or weeks, check again.
Pixel owners can get early access to Android 16. They can do this by signing up for the Android Beta Program. Be aware that beta versions may contain flaws.
For information on OTA (over-the-air) update schedules for non-Pixel devices, go to the support page of your manufacturer.
Why Upgrade to Android 16?
Android 16 is a smart upgrade that improves your device’s use and goes beyond a yearly refresh. It is intended to make your smartphone experience more seamless. The update offers customization, from more intelligent notifications to enhanced security. It also improves accessibility. Additionally, Android 16 is prepared for the future of mobile technology with features like large-screen optimizations and satellite messaging.
If you’re not using a Pixel smartphone, keep an eye out for manufacturer-specific updates. Share your thoughts about Android 16 in the comments section below! Spread the word about Google’s newest operating system by sharing this page.
