Another year, another version of Google’s mobile operating system. Android 16 brings a whole new look (Apple also just announced a redesign in iOS 26), more customization options, some chunky security enhancements, and a few welcome accessibility improvements. Android 16 is rolling out to select devices today—these are the new features that caught our eye.
Google officially ditched the delicious dessert names for Android years ago with Android 10, but it still uses them internally. Android 15 was Vanilla Ice Cream, and Android 16 is codenamed Baklava.
When Is Android 16 Arriving for Your Phone? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The official release date for Android 16 is June 10. This release is earlier than usual (last year’s release was September), and Google has already scheduled another “minor” release, maybe Android 16.1, for the last quarter of 2025. The developer preview of Android 16 was released in November 2024, and Google dropped beta releases in January, February, March, and April. Google's Pixel phones always get the new Android version first, but Android 16 is also coming to select devices from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Vivo, and Xiaomi in the coming months. Check your phone manufacturer's website, forums, or social media to learn when (if ever) to expect Android 16. How to Download and Install Android 16 AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Folks with a Google Pixel phone (Pixel 6 and newer) can download Android 16 by going to Settings > System > Software updates > System update and tapping Check for update. If you can't wait, you may be able to install the Android 16 Beta. These prerelease versions enable developers to test the forthcoming version of Google’s mobile operating system, learn about the new features, and prepare their apps or games to work properly. They also give early adopters the chance to get a sneak peek. Beta releases are more stable than developer previews, but some bugs are likely, and there are a few hoops to jump through to install them, so it’s not recommended for everyone. If you want to try it, you need a supported partner device (including select phones from Honor, Oppo, OnePlus, and Xiaomi), and you must sign up for the Android Beta Program. Most folks who sign up will get the beta updates over the air without wiping their phones, but you can’t opt out of the beta program without factory resetting your phone. Make sure you back up your Android phone first. Updates usually pop up automatically, but you can always check whether you have the latest version in Settings > System > System update by tapping Check for update. Want to get off the beta and go back to Android 15? Go to Google's Android Beta page, scroll down to find your device, and hit Opt out. This will wipe all locally saved data, so you'll lose anything you haven’t backed up. You should get a prompt to return to the older version.
Top Android 16 Features
These are the features and improvements coming in Android 16 we're most excited about. You can learn more at Google’s developer site, and make sure to read our interview with Google’s Android chief about his hopes for the platform.
Live Updates
Google is introducing real-time tracking into your Android notifications for services, like food delivery and navigation. Instead of having to open up the relevant app, you’ll see live updates in the notification drawer showing when your Uber will arrive or what turn to take next if you’re traveling somewhere using directions. These Live Updates will be the top notification and also appear on the Always-on Display, so you can see at a glance when your food will arrive via an app like DoorDash. Pull down to expand the notification, and you’ll see a progress bar and quick links to actions, such as the option to call or message the driver.
Similar to Live Activities in Apple’s iOS, Live Updates may be implemented slightly differently by each manufacturer. Samsung apparently plans to roll Live Updates into its Now Bar that sits at the bottom of the lock screen, while OnePlus will integrate them into its existing Live Alerts system.
Advanced Protection Mode
This new extra-secure mode in Android 16 is for at-risk folks, like public figures, journalists, and activists, who need extra protection for their digital lives. Google’s Advanced Protection already exists for Google accounts but now extends to Android 16, imposing tough security settings on apps and services to keep your data safe. It includes checks on memory to block exploits, USB protection, and guards against unsafe websites and spam calls and messages. A later release will add intrusion detection by keeping a permanent end-to-end encrypted log from your device in the cloud, which can be shared and analyzed by a security expert if you suspect there’s a problem.
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