Android 16 Release Date, New Features & Compatible Devices

Android 16 is already creating excitement, even though Android 15 is still in the process of being rolled out to eligible devices.

With the upcoming version on the horizon, users are eager to know about its release date, supported devices, and the new features it will bring.

Here’s what we know so far as Android 16 has entered its third beta.

When will Android 16 be released?

Google has officially confirmed that Android 16 will launch earlier than previous versions, aiming for a release in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June). This aligns with Google’s strategy to synchronize Android OS releases with device launch schedules.

If Android 16 is available by June, the Pixel 10 series, expected in mid to late 2025, will come with the new OS pre-installed. This timing ensures that major Android launches are ready for upcoming devices from Google and other manufacturers.

Additionally, Google announced a “minor release” for Android in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December), likely to be Android 16.1, focusing on feature updates, optimization, and bug fixes post the main Android 16 release.

While Google has not provided an exact release date for Android 16, an Android Headlines report suggests it will occur on 3 June 2025, with the update being available to Pixel devices via over-the-air rollout on the same day.

If this holds true, it would be a departure from previous years where there was a delay between the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) release and the OTA updates for Pixel devices.

Here are the release dates of previous versions of the system:

• Android 15 – September 2024
• Android 14 – October 2023
• Android 13 – August 2022
• Android 12 – October 2021
• Android 11 – September 2020
• Android 10 – September 2019

While we anticipate the full release of Android 16 later this year, the third Developer Preview is currently available for testing with your apps. One more beta is expected, focusing on bug fixes, with a final release planned for Google’s supported Pixel devices by the end of June.

Which devices will get Android 16?

Similar to every major Android update, a wide range of Android phones from various manufacturers will receive the Android 16 update.

Google’s Pixel phones are typically among the first to receive new Android versions, so expect the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, and future Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10 series, to receive the update promptly.

Moreover, numerous current and upcoming Android flagship phones from companies like Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi, and others are anticipated to receive Android 16.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

It’s essential to note that manufacturers typically roll out updates based on device tiers and regional strategies. High-end devices usually receive updates first, followed by mid-range and budget models.

If you’re unsure, here are all the devices expected to receive the Android 16 update. There’s also a helpful Android 16 Update Tracker that monitors many popular handsets.

What new features will we see in Android 16?

Although the final version of Android 16 is still a while away, its beta versions, along with hints, leaks, and official announcements, provide a glimpse of what to expect.

Stackable widgets

Google is exploring the addition of stackable widgets to Android, allowing users to group multiple widgets and swipe through them, similar to the organization on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This feature aims to save home screen space and enhance organization.

During a recent Q&A on YouTube, Google mentioned considering stackable widgets for the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP), making it easier for manufacturers to adopt. However, there’s no set timeline for its release, and it’s uncertain if development has commenced.

While not confirmed, this feature would be a welcome addition for improved home screen management.

Lock screen widgets

Google has announced the expansion of lock screen widgets to more Android phones and tablets. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the Pixel Tablet.

Lock screen widgets will make a comeback with Android 16, reintroducing them after being removed in earlier Android versions. Developers will be able to enable these widgets shortly after Android 16’s official release, expected in June.

Although not active on Android 16 beta devices yet, Android Authority managed to activate it and found an interesting detail.

On the Pixel Tablet, users can access widgets by swiping right on the lock screen. However, on smartphones, widgets are tied to Android’s screensaver mode, activated only when the device is charging or docked.

Thankfully, Google will allow developers to determine how the widget interface is triggered, giving phone manufacturers the flexibility to implement different approaches.

Notification summary feature

Google is reportedly testing a new notification summaries feature in Android 16, designed to automatically summarize conversation notifications from messaging apps.

The feature discovered in Beta 3 can be found in Settings > Notifications, allowing users to exclude specific apps from summarization. Google’s approach to notification summaries is more limited compared to Apple’s, focusing only on conversation notifications specified by apps. The feature is expected to use on-device AI with Google’s Gemini Nano model, which may impact its accuracy due to the brief and often unclear nature of notifications.

Although present in Beta 3, the feature is non-functional currently, suggesting it may not be included in the stable release of Android 16 but could be added in a later update or in Android 17.

Additionally, Google is reintroducing icon shape customization to the Pixel Launcher in Android 16 Beta 3, offering users a choice of six different shapes. The redesigned Settings app in the beta aims to enhance navigation and visual clarity with Material You switches and other design elements. The status bar is also getting a refresh with new icons for Wi-Fi signal strength and battery status.

Furthermore, new features for three-button navigation are in development, including a preview option by pressing and holding the back button and a corner swipe gesture for summoning the default assistant. The screen-off fingerprint unlock feature introduced in Android 16 DP2 allows users to unlock the device with the fingerprint sensor even when the screen is off.

Lastly, Android 16 is expected to bring a redesigned Quick Settings and notification panel, offering a significant overhaul to these essential features. The current design introduced with Android 12, where both notifications and Quick Settings are shown in one panel, may be replaced by a separated, dual-shade system. This new design would allow notifications to take up less screen space, requiring a two-finger swipe to access Quick Settings. While this change could be controversial, it offers more flexibility in organizing notifications and settings.

Google is also planning significant user interface changes in the volume panel and slider for Android 16. The volume panel in Developer Preview 2 features thinner, continuous sliders with handles, following Google’s Material Design 3 guidelines. The redesigned volume slider has a less rounded appearance with a rectangular handle and smaller three dots for opening the full volume panel.

Android 16 is expected to introduce an Advanced Protection Mode, expanding security features to offer app-level security customization. Additionally, enhancements to the Find My Device feature are anticipated, providing more accurate location tracking and increased options for securing lost or stolen devices.

As AI becomes a bigger focus for mobile platforms, Android 16 is likely to include more AI-powered tools such as enhanced privacy features, smarter notifications, and improved battery and performance management. New AI-powered apps leveraging Google’s AI capabilities may debut with Android 16 to enhance user experience.

Android 16 Beta 2 introduces a new feature allowing users to access their wallet by double-pressing the power button, previously reserved for launching the camera. Users can choose between launching the camera or their wallet under ‘Gestures’ in the phone’s settings. This feature streamlines the process of accessing the wallet, requiring identity verification before transactions.

Google announced the ‘Live Updates’ feature with Android 16 Beta 1, offering progress-based notifications that stay ongoing. This feature will replace other notification icons in the status bar, providing real-time updates for flights, food deliveries, and events via a heads-up pop-up.

Android 16 may introduce a new way to trigger the screen saver without requiring the device to be docked. A “postured” trigger for screen savers could activate only when the device is upright on a stand while charging, rather than with any charger. This feature, found in Beta 2, is not yet active, and its availability remains to be seen.

Improved desktop mode is another area where Android 16 may see enhancements. Android 16 may offer a more refined version of a feature that allows users to transform their phones into makeshift desktop environments when connected to external monitors. This feature has been in experimental form but could see significant improvements with the new release.

Gemini camera enhancements are also expected with Android 16, particularly within the Gemini camera framework. Users can anticipate improvements to camera systems across devices, potentially including better low-light performance, faster processing times, and enhanced editing tools within the native camera app.

One exciting aspect of Android 16 is the ongoing rework of the System UI, internally known as ‘Flexiglass’. This redesign aims to make the Android system more modular by separating core components into individual ‘scenes’, which could lead to enhanced performance and stability.

While the official release of Android 16 is still a few months away, the features and improvements it promises have already generated excitement. Stay tuned for more official details as we approach mid-2025. In the meantime, explore our list of the best Android phones that are likely to receive the Android 16 update. Can you rewrite this sentence?