Are you still waiting to receive the Android 15 update on your smartphone? Well, your phone is already outdated as Google has already introduced the Android 16. This new update is currently in the developer preview stage and has many new features. If you are excited to discover all the features or simply interested in knowing when Android 16 is coming to your device, you are in the right place.
Android 16 Update Features
Support For Adaptive Refresh Rate
The first major change introduced in Android 16 is support for adaptive refresh rate. With smartphone screens getting features like LTPO and 185Hz refresh rate, getting native support for adaptive refresh rate is a cherry on top. It will improve battery efficiency and overall screen smoothness of phones. With a new API for adaptive refresh rate, developers will be able to provide a smoother scrolling experience in their apps.
Also Read: Android 15 Features, Eligible Devices List, All Details!
Redesigned Volume Control
Another improvement in the Android 16 update is the redesigned volume control. The new volume slider will have rectangular edges and a thinner handle with a rectangular line. It is also taller and occupies less space compared to its predecessor.
Split Quick Settings
Android 16 update will finally add split quick settings just like other Android skins. Similar to HyperOS, OxygenOS and OneUI 7, the notifications and the quick settings have been separated. Swiping once will show the notifications while pulling it down with two fingers shows the quick settings menu.
Also Read: Android Auto Not Connecting To Car: Here’s How To Fix!
Improved Notifications
Apart from the changes in the notifications and quick settings panel, Android 16 is also improving notifications as a whole. The new Bundled notifications feature will group multiple notifications and deliver them at once. Furthermore, users will be able to block old notifications and enable compact heads-up to check new notifications in a condensed layout. There is also a notification cooldown option that prevents continuous notifications from a single app. It can be handy if an app is spamming you with many notifications at once. You can also stash bubble notifications to the side of the screen once you are done reading them.
Floating Bubbles For Apps
Android 11 brought Bubble notifications features for apps and the new Android 16 update is further improving on it. It will let users run any app inside a floating bubble instead of just showing their notifications. This can be activated by the bubble button in the context menu by long pressing the app’s icon.
Also Read: 8 Signs That Your Android Phone Motherboard Needs Repair!
Lockscreen Widgets And Changes
Remember lock screen widgets in older Android versions? Well, Google removed the feature in Android 5.0 and it is now making a comeback. The Android 16 update will finally let you add widgets to your lock screen and also let you customize them. The only catch is that this feature will be available for phones instead of tablets. Another change is that notifications on the lock screen will only appear as an icon making your lock screen cleaner. There is also a dedicated button to access Gemini on the lock screen.
Dynamic Island For Android
Android 16 update borrows one major feature from iOS: Live Activities. Called Rich Ongoing Notifications, it can display ongoing notifications for apps like Uber, and Swiggy or a timer from the Clock app in a slim pill in the status bar. Similar to OxygenOS’s Fluid Cloud feature, you can get a glance at ongoing notifications without opening the app. It can be handy for checking the status of your Zomato order or how far away your Uber driver is.
Also Read: Best Android 16 Features That You Need To Try In 2024!
Other Changes
There are plenty of other changes that Google is adding with the Android 16 Update. You also get predictive back gestures, a newer version of the privacy sandbox, an embedded photo picker and support for health records in Health Connect. Moreover, you get a desktop mode for Android tablets, a redesigned settings menu and an “even dimmer” option for brightness. There is an Auracast focus for sharing audio across multiple Bluetooth devices. Other changes include the ability to limit charging to 80 per cent on Pixel devices, improved lock screen customization, better screen recording and a redesigned Pixel wallpaper app.
Android 16 Update Eligible Devices
Currently, Android 16 is in the developer preview stage and only available for Pixel devices. Here are all the Google devices that are eligible for the Android 16 update Developer preview:
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Android 16 Update Expected Release Timeline
The Android 16 update is currently in the Developer Preview stage. The company has set a launch date of Q2 2025 meaning we can expect to release in May 2025. It is likely to showcase Android 16 features at Google I/O 2025 in May.
Also Read: Android 16: Leaks, Rumours, Release Date & More!
Furthermore, we can also expect Android 16.1 later this year as Google mentions a minor SDK release in Q4 2025. This will potentially bring new features and API to the operating system. As for other OEMs, we can expect Android 16 from OnePlus, Vivo and Samsung pretty soon as they are known for offering quick updates.
Summing It Up: Android 16 The Next Major Evolution
Unlike Android 15, the Android 16 update is shaping up to be a major update bringing a complete overhaul. With redesigned notifications, split quick settings, a dedicated Gemini button, improved customization and new multitasking capabilities, it is set to bring exciting changes to Android.
FAQs
Which phone has Android 16?
Currently only Google Pixel 6 series and above are eligible for the Android 16 update
Will my phone receive Android 16?
If you are using a recently released not older than 1-2 years then chances are it will receive Android 16. It’s best to check your device’s update policy and manufacturer promise to see whether it will get the update.
What is the Android 16 release date?
Android 16 update is likely to be released in May 2025.
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