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Android 16 introduces smarter notifications, stronger security, and better multitasking features.
Google Pixel phones have already started receiving the update, with Samsung and Motorola next in line.
The update focuses on improved performance, foldable support, and enhanced accessibility.
Android 16 is the newest version of Google’s mobile operating system, released officially in June 2025. This update brings many new features that improve how smartphones work. It is faster, safer, and has better support for new technologies like foldable phones, tablets, and smart accessories.
The update started rolling out to Google Pixel devices first. Other phone brands will get Android 16 later this year. Let’s look at the most important features of Android 16 and which smartphones will get this update.
Android 16 makes notifications smarter and more useful. For example, if food delivery or a taxi is on the way, updates about it will appear live on the lock screen or always-on display. This helps users check progress without opening the app again and again. It is similar to how iPhones show live activity updates.
A new feature called notification cooldown lowers the volume of repeated alerts. If many notifications come at once, the phone won’t keep making loud sounds. Similar notifications will also be grouped, making the notification shade cleaner and less distracting.
Android 16 adds a strong security mode that can be turned on with one tap. This mode helps protect the device from malware, scams, and theft. It also gives warnings when unsafe networks or older 2G connections are detected.
Android 16 supports better microphone use for hearing aids, giving clearer sound during calls. The update also brings Auracast, which lets people stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time.
Apps now resize better when used on tablets and foldable phones. Android 16 also allows apps to run on external displays more smoothly. This makes multitasking easier for users who like to use their devices for work or gaming.
The camera system can now detect night scenes automatically and apply the best settings. Videos will have better colors and details thanks to new exposure and color management tools. Ultra-HDR photos and advanced video formats are now supported too, giving clearer, brighter images.
Later in 2025, Android 16 will get an update to include richer animations, colorful gradients, and soft blur effects. This change will make the phone’s appearance more modern and eye-catching.
Android 16 allows running Linux apps using a virtual machine. This means that even desktop-style programs can run on a phone or tablet, helping developers and tech users.
Privacy Sandbox gives better control over ad tracking. Health Connect now supports medical records using the FHIR standard, which helps store and share health information securely.
The updated photo picker lets users browse both cloud and local photos together. It also shows previews and offers search options to find photos faster.
The update improves support for people with disabilities. Text-to-speech is smoother, captions are easier to read, and magnification tools can now recognize and describe objects on the screen.
Android 16 gives app makers new tools like back gesture prediction, better job scheduling, and ways to manage the phone’s performance more effectively. This helps apps run better on newer devices.
Also Read - Android 16 & Its Potential Deal-Breakers: Features You Might Hate
The stable version of Android 16 was launched for Pixel phones in early June 2025. Other phone brands are expected to start rolling out their versions of Android 16 between July and December 2025. These versions will include custom designs from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others.
A smaller update, Android 16.1, is planned for later in the year. This will fix early bugs and may add a few more features.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Fold
Pixel 9a (when launched)
All of these devices have already started getting the update.
Samsung’s Galaxy S series, Z Fold and Flip, Galaxy Tab tablets, Galaxy A series, Galaxy M series, and XCover phones will get Android 16 as part of One UI 8. The update for Galaxy S25 series is expected by July 2025, with others following soon after.
Motorola’s Razr 40, 40 Ultra, 50, 50 Ultra, 60, and 60 Ultra foldables will get the update. The Edge 50 Ultra and Edge 60 Pro are also included. Many Moto G models like G54, G56, G64, G75, and G85 will receive Android 16 later in the year.
Xiaomi is preparing to update more than 60 devices to Android 16 through its HyperOS 3 system. Phones such as Xiaomi 15, Redmi Note 14, and POCO F7 are on the list. Some Xiaomi and Redmi tablets will also get the update by the end of 2025.
OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Vivo, Honor, Nothing, Sony, and similar brands have started testing Android 16 on their latest models. Rollout for these devices is expected between mid and late 2025.
Also Read - Android 16 Is Here—But Is It Worth the Hype?
Android 16 is special because it brings many useful features at once. The update came out earlier than usual, giving users faster access to new tools and improvements. It focuses on making phones safer, smarter, and easier to use. Better support for foldables, tablets, and external displays shows that Android 16 is designed for modern devices. The addition of Linux support and developer tools makes this version a big step forward for both users and app makers.
Overall, Android 16 is a major update that helps smartphones work better in daily life. As more brands release their versions, Android 16 will bring these benefits to millions of users worldwide.
