A day after Apple introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 25, Google on Tuesday launched considered one of its most formidable updates but, Android 16.
Rolling out first to Pixel 6 and later Pixel telephones, Android 16 lands months sooner than latest main variations, with a concentrate on productiveness options and enhancements. These embody Live Updates for monitoring deliveries and rideshare vehicles, streamlined notifications, the flexibility to make use of desktop-style home windows when your cellphone’s linked to a monitor, new system safety features, native controls for listening to aids and extra.
Shipping the OS in June, as a substitute of the standard August to September window, lets Google push recent options into customers’ fingers sooner, and offers cellphone makers further runway to preload Android 16 on new telephones set to debut within the fall.
For Pixel homeowners, the replace started rolling out Tuesday, with assist for third-party telephones coming later this yr. Meanwhile, builders get a brand new QPR beta that permits the external-monitor preview to allow them to begin optimizing apps for greater workspaces. Here’s what it is advisable to know.
Android 16 arrives first on the Pixel
Google has pushed a secure construct of Android 16 to supported Pixel telephones. The replace layers a recent Material 3 Expressive coat of paint on prime of the OS and provides a number of new options, too.
Android 16 will run on the Pixel 6 and later.
Live replace and streamlined notifications
If you are ready in your sushi to reach or watching your rideshare slowly inch throughout city, Android 16 now provides reside updates which are pinned to your lock display, so you do not have to maintain opening an app to remain within the know. Also, notifications from the identical app are actually routinely grouped, lowering muddle in your lock display from notification-heavy apps like Gmail and Ring.
You will not obtain particular person notifications for a single app anymore.
One-tap Advanced Protection for everybody
A single toggle now bundles Google’s hardest defenses and blocks dodgy web sites, rip-off calls and USB assaults whereas the cellphone is locked. Originally constructed for high-risk customers like journalists and politicians, Advanced Protection is free and accessible for everybody on Android 16.
Clearer requires these with listening to aids
If you utilize Bluetooth LE listening to aids, Android 16 enables you to flip a swap that routes your voice by means of the cellphone’s superior microphones as a substitute of the tiny mics in your listening to aids, which is ideal for whenever you’re in a bustling espresso store or windy seashore. There’s additionally a brand new on-device panel for adjusting hearing-aid quantity and presets in a single place.
Android 16 brings enhancements for individuals who use listening to aids.
Better productiveness for pill homeowners
Tablets operating Android 16 will get a desktop windowing mode later this yr, due to a inbuilt partnership with Samsung. It enables you to float, snap or resize a number of app home windows in your system, such as you would on a desktop, and Android 16 lays the groundwork for that.
Android 16’s desktop windowing can be launched later this yr.
Android 16 supported gadgets
Android 16 is initially rolling out to those Google Pixel gadgets:
How to obtain Android 16
If you wish to obtain and set up Android 16, seize your Pixel and go to Settings > System > Software replace > Check for replace, and the roughly 2GB obtain ought to seem. If you do not see the replace but, simply wait — it is nonetheless slowly rolling out to customers.
Before you obtain, make certain your cellphone is on Wi-Fi, plug your cellphone in if the battery’s low, and again up something important prior to installing. Once the file finishes, a fast reboot ought to full the improve. If you personal Samsung, OnePlus or one other Android system, you will want to attend for producers’ rollout notices later this yr, however the course of would be the identical. Head to the software-update display and observe the on-screen prompts.
If you are on the Android 16 beta, you possibly can flip your Pixel right into a plug-and-play desktop
Google’s newest Android 16 beta (QPR1 Beta 2) lets Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 homeowners flip their telephones into mini desktops. All it is advisable to do is plug your cellphone to any exterior monitor with a USB-C cable, and a full task-bar-and-window interface will seem. You can juggle a number of apps side-by-side, pin favorites and even use keyboard shortcuts.
You must allow desktop expertise options within the developer settings.
If you wish to check out the Android 16 Beta, you possibly can enroll your Pixel 8 or 9 at google.com/android/beta, then go to Settings > System > Software replace to obtain the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 over the air.
Non-Android 16 new options additionally launched
Alongside Android 16, Google is releasing half a dozen options throughout the broader Android ecosystem on Tuesday:
- Custom group chats. You can decide an icon and title, see who’s on RCS and set a timed mute.
- Smarter Google Photos editor. Use one-tap AI fixes, text-prompt “Reimagine” edits and auto-crop.
- Room-specific Google Home shortcuts. You can pin a digicam to your TV, lights to your cellphone or a thermostat to your watch.
- Extend Safety Check timers. Add further minutes from the cellphone or Wear OS with out restarting the countdown.
- Fresh Emoji Kitchen mash-ups. For extra expressive stickers, you possibly can create new combos like pointing pigs and grateful carrots.
- Faster transit faucets on Wear OS. Swipe your watch and pay, even with Google Wallet closed.
These are all the brand new options that have been launched throughout your entire Android ecosystem, not simply Android 16.
All six options arrive through Play Services and app updates, no improve required.
