Android 16: What's new in the 2025 update

On June 11, 2025, Google officially released Android 16, the latest version of its mobile operating system. First introduced at Google I/O 2025, the update is now available for Pixel devices and will soon roll out to smartphones and tablets from other manufacturers. Codenamed "Baklava," Android 16 brings improvements in notifications, security, inclusivity, and professional features. Here is a breakdown of what's new in the system, which devices will get it first, and what users can expect.

Key Features of Android 16

1. Live Updates: Real-Time Notifications
   Android 16 introduces Live Updates — dynamically updating notifications inspired by Apple's Live Activities. These allow users to track key events such as food delivery, ride ETA, or file uploads directly in the notification panel without opening apps.

• Examples: Delivery progress, Uber ETA, YouTube upload status
• Features: A new ProgressStyle template gives developers a consistent design with custom icons and stages
• Benefits: Convenience and time-saving for users
  Notifications from the same app are now grouped together, reducing clutter and making the interface clearer.

2. Inclusivity: Hearing Aid Support
   Android 16 improves support for hearing aids via LE Audio:

• Users can switch between the phone's and hearing aid's microphones during calls for clearer sound
• Hearing aid volume control is now available directly in phone settings
• Compatibility with modern hearing aids using Bluetooth Low Energy has been enhanced
  This makes Android 16 more accessible for people with hearing impairments.

3. Advanced Protection 2: Maximum Security
   Google introduced Advanced Protection 2, the most secure mode in Android history, aimed at high-risk users (journalists, activists, public figures):

• Third-party app installations are blocked; only Google Play is allowed
• Phishing protection automatically detects malicious sites and links
• Scam filters block fraudulent calls
• Biometrics are required for critical settings changes such as passwords or data access
• Unsafe connection protocols are disabled to prevent hacking
  The mode is available to all users but must be manually enabled in security settings.

4. Pro Features for Large Screens
   Android 16 focuses on productivity, especially for tablets and foldables:

• Desktop Windowing: Multi-window support for large screens, similar to Samsung DeX, allowing desktop-style multitasking
• Hotkeys: Custom shortcuts for quick access to functions
• External Display Support: Improved monitor compatibility for presentations or multitasking
• Linux Terminal: An expanded feature from Android 15, enabling GNU apps (like Doom) to run in a virtual machine via Android Virtualization Framework
  These features will arrive later in 2025, likely with the Android 16 QPR1 update.

5. Camera and Media Enhancements
   Android 16 improves professional photo and video tools:

• Night Mode: Enhanced scene detection for low-light photography
• Hybrid Auto Exposure: A new exposure mode for accurate light representation
• UltraHDR and HEIC: Support for HEIC encoding and ISO 21496-1 standards for high-quality images
• Advanced Professional Video (APV): A codec for high-quality video recording with minimal loss during heavy editing
• Motion Photos: Simplified recording through new intent actions
  HDR screenshots are also now supported to preserve vibrant colors and detail.

6. Google Photos: Pro Editing Tools
   The Google Photos app gains new capabilities:

• AI Enhancements: One-tap auto-correction for images
• Smart Suggestions: Editing tools adapt based on the selected object
• Quick Access: Popular tools are now available directly on the main editor screen

7. Performance and Optimization

• 16KB Page Size: A memory page compatibility mode that improves app launch, system boot, and power efficiency. Developers are encouraged to test in Android Studio
• Android Runtime (ART): Updates enhance performance and add new language features. Distributed via Google Play System Updates for Android 12 and above
• Adaptive Refresh Rate: Automatically adjusts display refresh for smoother animations and battery savings

8. Other Enhancements

• Quick Settings: Redesigned panel for faster access
• Bluetooth Audio Sharing: Share audio with multiple devices via settings
• Outline Text: New text style with contrasting outlines for better readability
• Vulkan API: Now the primary graphics API, delivering more realistic gaming graphics
  Material 3 Expressive, a new design with vibrant animations and blur effects, was not included in the June 11 release but is expected in QPR1 later in 2025 for Pixel devices.

Which Devices Get Android 16?

First to receive the update:

• Google Pixel: Series 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Max
• Pixel Tablet

Coming in the next few months:

• Samsung (Galaxy S24, S25, Z Fold/Flip series)
• Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, OnePlus, Sony Xperia, Honor, Lenovo, and other brands involved in beta testing

Note:

• Devices older than Pixel 5 are not supported
• Update timelines vary by manufacturer. Samsung, for instance, customizes Android for One UI, which may take several months

How to Install Android 16

For Pixel devices:

1. Go to Settings → System → System update
2. Check for OTA updates
3. If you are in the QPR1 beta program, exit via the Android Beta Program website to get the stable version (this will erase your data)

For other devices, wait for the manufacturer’s notification or check manually in settings.

What’s Next

Google’s upcoming plans:

• Android 16 QPR1 (Q3 2025): Will include Material 3 Expressive and new features like double-tap to turn off the screen on Pixel
• Minor release in Q4 2025: New APIs and optimizations without app-breaking changes
• Quarterly updates: Q1 and Q3 2025 will bring bug fixes and refinements
  Also expected: deeper Gemini AI integration in Google apps (Maps, Calendar) and expanded features for foldable devices.