Android 16: New Features and Eligible Devices

Android 16, the next generation of the Android operating system, is finally here. The update is expected to have a broader rollout in the coming months. What’s interesting is that this marks one of the earliest launches of the Android OS by Google in recent years. Android 15 was launched on October 24, 2024. And now, less than a year later, we have the fast-tracked Android 16 OS. The update brings a lot of new subtle features and also streamlines already existing ones to offer a more mature Android OS experience. However, don’t expect major changes to UI, etc., but it does add several new customization options.

Similar to last year, there is no dessert name assigned to the Android 16 OS. However, internally it is called Baklava, a famous dessert with its origin from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. Since the update brings a bunch of new functional updates, we have compiled a list of all the new features that you will find in Android 16, and also the list of eligible devices. Let’s jump right into it.

Android 16: Eligible Devices

For now, the Android 16 update is live for Google Pixel devices. Specifically, Pixel 6 or newer Pixel phones are already picking up the Android 16 update. This also applies to all Pixel tablets that launched alongside or after the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are eligible for the Android 16 update. So, if you have a Pixel device, anything from 2021 or newer, it is all set to be upgraded to Android 16.

Here’s the list:

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro,
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro,
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro,
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold,
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel Tablet

You can check for the Android 16 update on your supported device by heading over to Settings > System > Software update and then follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.

As for other devices are concerned, at the moment, Samsung is currently testing the One UI 8 based on Android 16 on its Galaxy S25 series phones. This also hints that the next brand that is in line to receive the Android 16 update should be Samsung. But there are chances that some other brand, out of the blue, will roll out the Android 16 update.

Android 16: New Features

Here is the list of all the changes that the Android 16 update brings:

Live updates

Real-time tracking is coming to Android. Supported apps will offer live updates in your notifications, keeping you up-to-date about all changes in real time. This could come in handy for apps such as food delivery or navigation. This negates the need to open the app every time you want to see the update. The real-time live updates will be the topmost notification on your Android 16 device’s notifications panel. You will get a progress bar, along with quick buttons to call or message the agent.

Notification Auto Grouping

Receiving multiple notifications from a single app that is making your notifications panel cluttered? Not anymore. Android 16 now automatically groups notifications from one app to keep things clean and tidy. This also makes it easier to find what you need from a specific app. For instance, if you have multiple parcels incoming from a single app, then you can expand the notifications for that app and find the details about the incoming parcel in that space.

Predictive Back Animation

When you use gesture navigation on your Android device, a preview of the previous screen is shown when you go back using the back gesture. That wasn’t possible when using navigation buttons. But with Android 16, a preview of the previous screen will also be shown in three-button navigation.

Haptic Sliders and Adaptive Refresh Rate

Something already available on other OEMs, Android 16 brings an adaptive refresh rate to Pixel phones, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content you are viewing. Also, you will be able to precisely change volume or brightness with haptic sliders.

Desktop-like Multi-tasking on Android Tablets

Android 16 brings improved multitasking features for tablets. You will now be able to open, move, or resize windows similar to a desktop on your tablet. Plus, Android 16 also adds the option to group apps together for easier access.

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Android 16 also brings the option to have multiple custom keyboard shortcuts. This allows for the quick launching of apps or shortcuts, that only enhance your productivity on a big screen. To access this feature, you need to head over to Settings > System > Keyboard > Physical keyboard > View keyboard shortcuts. You will see a new “Customize” button on devices with displays larger than 600dp.

Phone as Mic Input

Android 16 makes it possible for you to use your smartphone as a microphone input device for other devices, especially LE Audio hearing devices, giving you the best possible audio experience even in noisy environments. The new operating system also adds the capability for LE hearing devices to change the volume of ambient sound.

Identity Check

Google has also enhanced the security of Android phones with Android 16. The identity check feature asks for biometric access options, such as changing or adding biometric data. This means that simply having access to your phone’s PIN or passcode won’t let anyone change or remove your biometric data.

Advanced Protection Mode

If you think your device needs an extra layer of protection from spam, online attacks, and risky or harmful applications, then Google has added the Advanced Protection Mode feature to safeguard your data from such threats. You can turn this feature on by heading over to Settings > Security & privacy > Advanced Protection. Turning this feature on activates multiple safety measures that can also protect you from harmful websites, scam calls, and messages.

Trade-in Mode

There is now a dedicated Trade-in Mode (only available on a wiped device for privacy) that allows others to access key device details when selling your phone.

HDR Screenshots

Android 16 now lets you preserve the quality of your HDR photos even in screenshots. You can now take a screenshot of your HDR image, then save it, edit it, or share it in its original quality.

Adaptive Android Apps

Android 16 also makes sure that every inch of your device, be it a foldable or a tablet is used when using an Android app. Starting with Android 16, Google will now force Android apps to be adaptive and stretch across all corners to view the app in full view.

Camera Features

There are multiple new Camera features that Android 16 introduces for Pixel devices. This includes precise color and temperature, apt for pro-photographers and videographers. There is also a Hybrid Camera Exposure feature that lets you manually tweak certain aspects of the exposure while letting auto-exposure handle other metrics. Ultra-HDR images are also supported in the HEIC file format. The update also introduces the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec that allows for professional video recording and post-production.

UI Changes

A lot of subtle UI changes are also introduced with Android 16 OS. The Material You design has been refined, and the new software lays the groundwork for Material 3 Expressive. Also, whenever you turn on your phone, the sides of your display will glow when the home screen is getting ready for use. The new Android 16 logo is also added, which has a square shape along with NASA-style patches. You will also find hints of the Baklava glyph with a little Bugdroid.

The icons are more circular and fit better into the aesthetics of Android 16 UI changes.  Darker colours are now applied across the various UI elements, which is more evident inside the Settings menu. The split-screen menu is also upgraded.

Android 16 Latest Updates Timeline

• June 26, 2025: Android 16 QPR1 beta 2.1 update rolling out with bug fixes. The update is available for all supported Pixel devices. Beta users will get it via OTA.