Android 16 Is Here: New Features, Material 3, Security

Android 16 Is Here: What’s New in Google’s Most Advanced Mobile OS Yet

Google has officially started rolling out Android 16, first landing on supported Pixel devices with more brands joining later this year. This early release marks the fastest major Android launch in recent years, putting the latest features in your hands sooner than ever.

Here’s a look at what Android 16 brings to your phone, tablet, and beyond.

???? Smarter Notifications with Live Updates

Forget constantly checking your delivery or ride-share app. Android 16 introduces live updates directly in your notification panel. You’ll get real-time alerts from compatible food delivery and ride-share apps without opening them repeatedly. This also ties into new notification platforms like Samsung’s Now Bar and OPPO’s Live Alerts.

To declutter your screen, Android now automatically groups notifications from the same app — making them easier to digest at a glance.

???? Better Calling for Hearing Aid Users

Android 16 introduces major improvements for those using LE audio hearing aids. Instead of relying on your hearing aid’s mic (which captures ambient noise), you can now switch to your phone’s microphone for clearer voice input during calls.

Additionally, native hearing aid controls are now built into Android. This means you can easily adjust volume, change modes, and select audio input — all directly from your phone.

???? One-Tap Advanced Protection

Security gets a major boost with Advanced Protection — Google’s most powerful mobile defense system. With a single tap, Android 16 activates protections against phishing, scam calls, unsafe apps, and malicious sites. It’s ideal for journalists, public figures, or anyone wanting top-tier mobile security.

???? Desktop Experience for Tablets

In collaboration with Samsung, Android 16 brings desktop-style windowing to tablets. Now you can open, move, and resize multiple app windows on a single screen — just like a computer.

Other upcoming productivity upgrades include:

• Custom keyboard shortcuts
• Taskbar overflow menu
• External display support for a full desktop-like experience

Developers can start testing these features today, with wider rollouts planned later in the year.

???? Material 3 Expressive Design Arrives

Android 16 sets the stage for Google’s latest design language: Material 3 Expressive. Expect more personalization, better accessibility, and refined visuals across Android devices — including updates coming soon to Wear OS 6 on Pixel smartwatches.

⚙️ Even More Features Coming

Other Android 16 features include:

• HDR screenshots for stunning image clarity
• Adaptive refresh rates for smoother scrolling and power savings
• New identity checks for secure app access

More updates are expected throughout the year. You can explore everything new in Android 16 at Android.com/16.

Ready to try Android 16?
If you own a supported Pixel, you can update today and experience the smartest, most secure Android yet.