- Google is finally rolling out the stable version of Android 16 to eligible devices
- It brings new features like Live Updates, Desktop mode, and more
- Here’s everything you need to know about the latest version of Android
With Apple revealing iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, Google doesn’t want to be seen as too far behind. The Mountain View giant has started rolling out a stable version of Android 16. Google has shifted the Android timeline to release it in summer instead of the usual year-end timeline. Here is everything you need to know about Android 16, including its new features and eligible devices.
Android 16 New Features:
1. Live Notifications
Just like Live Activities on iPhone, Android is finally getting a new live notifications feature. So, whether you are waiting for a food delivery or a cab ride, you can check the status in real-time without opening the app. These live Updates will appear on the lockscreen as well as a persistent notification in the status bar. Moreover, these Live Updates will also work for Google Maps, letting you check directions directly from the lockscreen. They also appear on the Always On Display, so you don’t even need to unlock your phone.
And the best part? These Live Notifications are not just restricted to Pixel phones. Samsung users can enjoy Live Notifications in the Now Bar, while Oppo//OnePlus users can see it in the Live Alerts. However, Google states that you will need to wait for a future update to take full advantage of these Live Updates. Android 16 will also force group notifications from the same app to reduce clutter in the notification panel
2. New Desktop Mode For Tablet
If you are one of those few people who still use an Android tablet, there’s some good news for you. Following in the footsteps of Samsung Dex, Google is finally bringing a new desktop mode. This opens up a new way to interact with your apps, allowing you to resize them or open them in split-screen. You can also open, move, and resize multiple windows of an app just like your desktop computer. This will take productivity to the next level and bring Android tablets one step closer to Chromebooks. Oh, and there are custom keyboard shortcuts just like Windows, apart from support for external displays coming later this year.
Also Read:
- Android 16 Brings New Lockscreen Customization Options: How to Customize
- Android 16 QPR Beta 1: Material 3 Expressive Is Here!
3. Advanced Protection Mode
Android 16 also brings new Advanced Protection Mode for safety and security of users.This one stop hub that will secure you from online attacks, scams, harmful apps, unsafe links and more. It includes everything and the kitchen safe offering features like Intrusion Logging, Inactivity Reboot, Play Protect, Spam and Scam protection and more. If you value your privacy and secuirty more than anything else, this is feature for you.
4. Other Minor Features
Android 16 is also getting some minor yet useful features. This includes Identity Check, which requires you to enter a PIN or biometrics when accessing sensitive resources outside a trusted location. Similarly, there’s a Trade In Mode that makes it easier to upgrade your device. Other features include predictive back gesture, HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate, and improved slider haptics. While the stable version of Android 16 doesn’t have Material 3 Expressive, it’s coming later this year with redesigned quick settings. This new design will also have notification cooldown and syncing.
5. New Accessibility Settings
Last but not least, Android 16 also has some useful accessibility features. These include support for Bluetooth LE hearing aids so you can adjust their volume directly from the phone. You also get Auracast support for listening to public audio streaming and audio sharing that works with Bluetooth LE headsets.
Android 16 Update Eligible Devices
If you are waiting to get Android 16, here are all the eligible devices that will receive the update:
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
The update is currently in the rollout phase, so it might be a while before you get it. Also, you need to be on the latest Android security patch to get the stable update.
While it isn’t necessary, Google recommends taking a backup of your device before you install Android 16 on it. If you are using something other than a Pixel, then you will need to wait for your respective OEM to announce the upgrade.
