Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR Google has released the second major Android 16 update, marking a shift away from the traditional single yearly OS upgrade.
Starting with Android 16, Google will push out more frequent releases that include bigger features and new developer APIs.
The update is rolling out now to eligible Pixel devices, with broader availability expected later.
Google has started rolling out what it’s calling the second Android 16 update. Arriving first on eligible Pixel devices, the update might look like a typical Pixel Drop given its Pixel-first rollout. However, Google is framing it differently due to its overhauled Android update schedule announced last year.
Why this isn’t a Pixel Drop Beginning with Android 16, Google said it would shift away from the traditional model of one annual OS upgrade supplemented by minor quarterly updates. Instead, the company said it would deliver multiple Android releases throughout the year, each containing new system features and developer APIs, not just cosmetic tweaks.
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Google had previously confirmed that two such updates were planned for Android 16 in 2025. Today’s rollout is the second of those releases, arriving roughly six months after the official version of Android 16 first launched in June.
In a blog post announcing today’s release, Google writes, “With today’s Android 16 release updates, your device is getting smarter, more personal, and easier to manage. This release also marks a new chapter for how Android updates work, moving from a single, yearly operating system update to more frequent releases. This means you get the latest features as soon as they’re ready.”
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