Android 16: In abstract
- Google’s subsequent main model of its working system for Android telephones and tablets
- Anticipated to debut on Pixel 10 sequence this summer time, however full rollout will take a number of months
- Vital modifications anticipated, together with new Materials 3 Expressive person interface design
Google releases a serious new model of Android yearly, and it’s no totally different in 2025 with Android 16.
Whereas Android 16 isn’t anticipated to be obtainable for a number of months, Google is ready to disclose all at a devoted occasion very quickly.
Even earlier than the official reveal, leaks and rumours paint an in depth image of what we will count on. Right here’s every part you could learn about its launch date, anticipated gadget compatibility and people all-important new options.
When will Android 16 be launched?
In abstract
- Particular Android occasion confirmed for 13 Might, forward of I/O convention
- Official launch may happen in June
Google has confirmed that it is going to be holding an occasion devoted to Android on 13 Might. It begins at 10am PST (1pt EDT, 6pm BST) and you may watch it dwell.
Whereas not confirmed, that is nearly actually the place we’ll see Android 16 formally revealed.
In keeping with an official roadmap, the “main launch” may happen in Q2, so earlier than the tip of June 2025.
Whereas Google has not given a precise launch date for Android 16, it may an Android Headlines report claims it is going to happen on 3 June 2025, with the replace turning into obtainable to Pixel gadgets through over-the-air rollout on the identical day.
Then, the Pixel 10 sequence is prone to be the primary set of telephones that ship operating Android 16 out of the field.
Nevertheless, as regular, it’ll in all probability take a number of months to roll out to all suitable Android telephones.
As a reminder, listed here are the discharge dates of earlier variations of the system:
- Android 15 – September 2024
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Sources: Google | Android Headlines
Which telephones are getting Android 16?
In abstract
- All Android 15 telephones which are nonetheless supported by updates ought to get Android 16
- Timeline for rollout is determined by particular producers and age of gadget
As with each main Android replace, a variety of Android telephones (and different gadgets like tablets) from totally different producers will obtain the Android 16 replace.
Google’s personal Pixel telephones are all the time among the many first to get new Android variations, so count on the Pixel 6 sequence, Pixel 7 sequence, Pixel 8 sequence, Pixel 9 sequence and future Pixel gadgets, together with the Pixel 10 sequence, to get the replace as quickly as doable.
As well as, many present and future Android flagship telephones from firms equivalent to Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi and others are anticipated to obtain Android 16.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’s necessary to notice, nevertheless, that producers sometimes roll out updates based mostly on gadget tiers and regional methods. Excessive-end gadgets often obtain updates first, adopted by mid-range and finances fashions.
When you’re uncertain, listed here are all of the gadgets anticipated to get the Android 16 replace.
Sources: Android Replace Tracker
What new options will we see in Android 16?
In abstract
- New ‘Materials 3 Expressive’ person interface leaked
- Additional customisation choices rumoured
- Notifications and Fast Settings panels could possibly be revamped
A great deal of Android 16 options have been leaked or revealed, however all are constructed upon Google’s new ‘Materials 3 Expressive’ design language. A seemingly unintentional leak from the corporate showcases a brand new floating toolbar and redesigned Gmail app, with Google supposedly aiming for one thing that’s each “stunning and extremely usable”.
Right here’s what else could be coming.
Google is contemplating including stackable widgets to Android, permitting customers to group a number of widgets and swipe by them, just like the organisation on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This characteristic would assist save dwelling display screen house and enhance organisation.
Google has talked about trying into stackable widgets for the Android Open-Supply Challenge (AOSP), which might make it simpler for producers to undertake. Nevertheless, there’s no timeline for its launch, and it’s unclear if growth has begun.
Whereas not confirmed, the characteristic could be a welcome addition for higher dwelling display screen administration.
Sources: YouTube
Lock display screen widgets
Google has additionally introduced that it is going to be increasing lock display screen widgets to extra Android telephones and tablets. Presently, this characteristic is simply obtainable on the Pixel Pill.
Lock display screen widgets might be reintroduced with Android 16, marking their return after being eliminated in earlier Android variations. Google has confirmed that builders will have the ability to allow these widgets quickly after Android 16’s official launch, which is predicted in June.
Though the characteristic is just not but lively on Android 16 beta gadgets, Android Authority managed to activate it and found an fascinating element.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
On the Pixel Pill, customers can entry widgets by swiping proper on the lock display screen. Nevertheless, on smartphones, widgets are linked to Android’s screensaver mode, which solely prompts when the gadget is charging or docked.
Fortuitously, Google will permit builders to determine how the widget interface is triggered, which means telephone producers could implement totally different approaches.
Sources: Google | Android Authority
Notification abstract characteristic
A report means that Google is testing a brand new notification summaries characteristic in Android 16, designed to routinely summarise dialog notifications from messaging apps. Found in Beta 3, the characteristic seems in Settings > Notifications with an choice to exclude particular apps from summarisation.
Not like Apple’s broad notification summaries, Google’s strategy is extra restricted, summarising solely dialog notifications explicitly designated by apps. The characteristic is predicted to depend on on-device AI utilizing Google’s Gemini Nano mannequin, which can restrict its accuracy because of the brief and sometimes ambiguous nature of notifications.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
Whereas current in Beta 3, it’s at the moment non-functional, suggesting it could not launch with Android 16’s secure launch however may arrive in a later replace or Android 17.
Sources: Android Authority
Customisable icon shapes
In keeping with Android Authority, Google is bringing again icon form customisation to the Pixel Launcher, a characteristic final seen in Android 11. Now, in Android 16 Beta 3, an “app form & format” menu has been found, permitting customers to select from six totally different icon shapes.
The characteristic applies a masks to dwelling display screen, app drawer, and folder icons however doesn’t have an effect on icons within the recents display screen or Settings app. The obtainable shapes embody circle, sq., and extra advanced geometric designs.
Sources: Android Authority
Redesigned Settings app
Android Authority additionally experiences that Google is testing a redesigned Settings app in Android 16 Beta 3, geared toward bettering navigation and visible readability.
The brand new “expressive” design introduces Materials You switches with X or checkmark icons, settings entries positioned in distinct playing cards, arrow icons indicating subpages, and a repositioned header to show extra gadgets at a look.
Different minor tweaks embody a bubble for the again arrow and bigger dropdown capsules, however the primary Settings homepage stays unchanged.
Whereas this design is current within the newest beta, it could not launch with Android 16’s secure launch and will arrive in a later replace or Android 17.
Sources: Android Authority
Refreshed standing bar
Google can also be reportedly engaged on a refreshed standing bar for Android, with new icons showing in Android 16 Beta 3.
The newest beta contains modifications to the Wi-Fi sign energy icon, which now shows three segments as a substitute of 5, and a redesigned battery icon with a dynamic color scheme. The battery icon shifts from white to pink when low and turns inexperienced whereas charging. It additionally incorporates a bolder font for the proportion and a flipped orientation.
As with the redesigned Settings app, these new icons should not but enabled by default in Android 16 Beta 3, and it’s unsure whether or not they’ll seem within the closing launch. They may as a substitute arrive in a later Android 16 replace and even in Android 17, doubtlessly alongside a redesigned notifications and Fast Settings panel.
Sources: Android Authority
New options for three-button navigation
Android Authority experiences that within the upcoming Android 16 replace, customers of three-button navigation will acquire the flexibility to preview their subsequent display screen by urgent and holding the again button.
Though this characteristic is in early growth, it already works with apps like Google Calendar, although some performance, such because the preview for returning to the house display screen, isn’t but totally operational. Predictive again help for three-button navigation would possibly seem as early as its first beta.
Past predictive again, Android 16 would possibly introduce a nook swipe gesture for summoning the default assistant when utilizing three-button navigation.
Customers are additionally hoping for extra enhancements, equivalent to the flexibility to customize the order of the again and up to date buttons. These updates intention to boost the expertise for customers preferring or depend on three-button navigation.
Sources: Android Authority
Display-off Fingerprint Unlock
As per one other Android Authority report, with the second developer preview (DP2) of Android 16, Google launched a brand new possibility to make use of fingerprint unlock even when the display screen is off.
Historically, under-display fingerprint scanners require the display screen to be woken earlier than unlocking. Nevertheless, Android 16 DP2 resolves this inconvenience with the ‘Display-off Fingerprint Unlock’ setting.
Android Authority
This characteristic is accessible through the ‘Safety & Privateness’ settings and has been confirmed to operate successfully on the Google Pixel 9 Professional.
If customers are hesitant to put in Android 16 DP2, there are options to make sure the fingerprint scanner stays prepared to be used. These embody enabling the ‘At all times present time and data’ possibility, the ‘Elevate to verify telephone’ setting, or the ‘Faucet to verify telephone’ characteristic, all discovered within the show and lock display screen settings.
Sources: Android Authority
Redesigned Fast Settings and notification panels
One more Android Authority report shares that one of the vital modifications in Android 16 will seemingly be a revamp of the notification and Fast Settings panels.
The present design, launched with Android 12, wherein each are proven in a single panel, could be changed by a separated, dual-shade system.
On this new design, notifications will take up much less display screen house, and accessing Fast Settings would require a two-finger swipe. This modification could possibly be controversial, however it permits for extra flexibility in organising notifications and settings.
Sources: Android Authority
Redesigned quantity UI
It seems that Google is planning vital person interface modifications not solely within the Fast Settings and notifications panels, but additionally within the quantity panel and slider.
Android 15, launched final yr, launched a collapsible quantity panel with a thicker, pill-shaped design for sliders, together with tappable icons for muting and a persistent media output shortcut.
In distinction, the up to date quantity panel in Android 16’s Developer Preview 2 reveals a shift to thinner, steady sliders with handles, adhering to Google’s Materials Design 3 tips.
This simplified design could make it simpler to gauge exact quantity ranges, though opinions on its aesthetics could fluctuate.
The accompanying quantity slider has additionally had a redesign. It now incorporates a much less rounded look with a skinny rectangular deal with, and the amount stream icon is positioned on the backside as a substitute of the highest. The three dots opening the total quantity panel are smaller, whereas the mode selector shows choices in rounded rectangles.
Sources: Android Authority
Superior Safety Mode
Android 16 is predicted to boost its security measures with a brand new Superior Safety Mode.
This mode, initially launched for Google accounts, could be expanded to supply app-level safety customisation. Apps will have the ability to detect if this mode is enabled and apply further safety measures, equivalent to additional authentication steps or display screen locks.
Sources: Android Authority
Discover My System enhancements
Enhancements to Google’s Discover My System characteristic are additionally anticipated.
Android 16 may construct on Android 15’s theft detection options, providing extra correct location monitoring and expanded choices for securing misplaced or stolen gadgets.
AI-driven options
As AI turns into an even bigger focus for cellular platforms, Android 16 is prone to embody extra AI-powered instruments. These may embody enhanced privateness options, smarter notifications, and extra environment friendly battery and efficiency administration.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
We’d additionally see new AI-powered apps debut with Android 16, leveraging Google’s AI capabilities to enhance person expertise.
Press the ability button twice to open the pockets
As per Android Authority, Android 16 Beta 2 introduces a brand new characteristic that enables customers to entry their pockets by double-pressing the ability button, a gesture beforehand reserved for launching the digicam.
Whereas customers nonetheless must confirm their id earlier than making transactions, this characteristic streamlines the method. The setting will be adjusted beneath ‘Gestures’ within the telephone’s settings, the place customers can select between launching the digicam or their pockets.
Moreover, this operate isn’t restricted to Google Pockets, permitting customers to pick different pockets apps if most popular.
Sources: Android Authority
Dwell Updates characteristic
Google introduced the ‘Dwell Updates’ or ‘Dwell Notifications’ characteristic with Android 16 Beta 1 in January, however it has but to look within the ongoing Beta 2. In the meantime, a demo app by developer Viktor Mykhailiv presents a preview of the way it will work.
Mishaal Rahmaan from Android Authority used the app to showcase progress-based notifications (see the video under), modifying them to remain ongoing, a key requirement for Dwell Updates.
A video demonstrates its performance throughout the standing bar, notifications panel, and always-on show, utilizing the brand new ‘setShortCriticalText API’ to show textual content in a standing bar chip.
Dwell Updates will substitute different notification icons within the standing bar, with a faucet opening a heads-up pop-up. Much like Apple’s Dynamic Island, this characteristic will permit real-time updates for flights, meals deliveries, and occasions.
Sources: Viktor Mykhailiv | Android Authority
A brand new strategy to set off the screensaver
One other discovery means that Android 16 may introduce a brand new strategy to activate the display screen saver with out requiring the gadget to be docked.
Presently, Android solely permits the display screen saver to be triggered in two situations: whereas charging or when docked and charging. Since Android doesn’t recognise many charging stands as docks, customers should allow the primary choice to activate the display screen saver.
Nevertheless, this additionally means the display screen saver will activate with any kind of charger, which will be inconvenient for many who solely need it when their gadget is on a stand.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
In keeping with a report from Android Authority, one key addition could possibly be a “postured” set off for display screen savers, permitting activation solely when the gadget is upright on a stand whereas charging, fairly than with any charger.
Whereas this code has been present in Beta 2, the characteristic is just not but lively, and it stays to be seen whether or not it is going to be obtainable.
Sources: Android Authority
Higher desktop mode
Desktop mode is one other space wherein Android 16 would possibly see enhancements.
Whereas this characteristic has existed in experimental kind, it’s doable that Android 16 will supply a extra polished and useful model, permitting customers to show their telephones into makeshift desktop environments when related to exterior displays.
Gemini digicam enhancements
With Android 16, count on additional enhancements to digicam programs throughout gadgets, particularly with the Gemini digicam framework.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Google could concentrate on bettering computational images, which may imply higher low-light efficiency, quicker processing occasions, and extra highly effective modifying instruments throughout the native digicam app.
You might also be focused on our information to the perfect Android telephones, all of which will certainly get the Android 16 replace.