At the core of Android 16 lies the foundation for the new Material 3 Expressive design, which aims to streamline user interaction and enhance accessibility. Here are the main features included in this update:
Smarter Notifications
Fed up with having to constantly refresh your food delivery or ride-share app? Android 16 delivers live updates for compatible applications, allowing you to track services in real-time, directly from your lock screen or notification shade.
“We’re collaborating with these app partners to integrate this capability into the Android ecosystem, including Samsung’s Now Bar and OPPO and OnePlus’ Live Alerts,” Google shared in a blog post.
Additionally, notifications are now automatically grouped by app to minimize clutter and keep your screen tidy.
Enhanced Support for Hearing Aids
Android 16 offers a significant upgrade for users of LE Audio hearing devices, enabling them to switch from the device’s microphone to the phone’s mic for clearer calls—particularly in noisy settings. Furthermore, native controls for hearing aids are incorporated into the OS, allowing users to manage volume and other settings directly from their phones.
One-Tap Security with Advanced Protection
Users can now activate Advanced Protection, Google’s most comprehensive mobile security initiative. It safeguards devices against online threats, harmful apps, phishing sites, scam calls, and more—all with a single tap.
Desktop-Style Productivity on Tablets
In partnership with Samsung, Android 16 introduces desktop windowing for larger devices. This feature enables users to open, resize, and move multiple app windows on a single screen—similar to a PC experience.
Support for custom keyboard shortcuts and taskbar overflow will be rolled out later this year, along with additional productivity tools, including support for external displays.
What’s Next
Google hints at more updates in the upcoming months, featuring HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rates, and identity verification tools. Pixel users can also look forward to further Material 3 design enhancements and the upcoming Wear OS 6 refresh.
Android 16 is now accessible on compatible Pixel phones, with a broader rollout to other Android devices expected later in 2025.
Samsung has already begun the beta program for its Android 16-based One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25 series in select regions.
