Android 16 Officially Released: Here’s Everything New for Pixel Users
Google has officially released Android 16, and it’s now available for compatible smartphones, with Google’s Pixel phones being the first to receive the update. New devices from other manufacturers will come preloaded with Android 16 in the coming months.
This update brings a host of new features aimed at improving usability, security, and photo or video quality, along with deeper ecosystem integration for Google’s suite of devices and apps.
Top Android 16 Features You Need to Know
Live Notification Updates
The most talked-about feature in Android 16 is live updates within notifications. Now, you can track ride-shares, food deliveries, and package locations directly from your lock screen or notification tray using a dynamic progress bar, without opening the app repeatedly.
Smarter Notification Management
Notifications from the same app will now automatically group together, helping reduce clutter and alert fatigue, especially from chat and delivery apps.
Accessibility and Audio Upgrades
LE Audio Hearing Aid Support
Android 16 adds native support for LE Audio-compatible hearing aids. Users can now switch to the phone’s microphone for clearer conversations in noisy environments, a huge win for accessibility.
One-Tap Security Enhancements
Unified Security Center
Google has streamlined its security tools under a single interface, offering protection from scam calls, malicious apps, phishing websites, and more. The unified Security Centre provides one-tap access to activate or manage these features. Includes new scam detection tools first previewed in May 2025.
Camera and Imaging Boosts
Improved Night Mode and Exposure
Photographers will enjoy automatic night scene detection, hybrid auto-exposure, and precise colour temperature controls.
UltraHDR + HEIC Support
Android 16 enhances UltraHDR imaging with HEIC encoding and integrates support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, bringing mobile photography and videography closer to DSLR quality.
Desktop Mode Coming Soon
While not available at launch, Android 16 teases desktop windowing support, currently in QPR3 Beta 2. Full release is expected later in 2025, bringing true multitasking to Android tablets and large-screen devices.
Google Ecosystem and Pixel Drop Updates
RCS Group Chat Upgrades
RCS group chats get a makeover with custom icons, mute thread options, and improved reliability.
AI Image Editing in Google Photos
Google Photos introduces a powerful AI-enhanced image editor that suggests smart edits to improve your pictures instantly.
Emoji Kitchen Expands
Android 16 updates Emoji Kitchen with new sticker combinations, making messaging more expressive and fun.
Wear OS Transit Upgrades
Wear OS smartwatches can now pay transit fares without launching a separate app, ideal for quick commutes.
Pixel Drop June 2025 Highlights
Google has also announced the June Pixel Drop, which brings:
- Pixel VIPs widget for quick access to top contacts
- More expressive video captions for accessibility and content creation
