Google officially announced the rollout of Android 16, starting with supported Pixel devices. More phone brands will receive it later this year. This is the earliest launch for a major Android release in recent years, which means users will get new features and improvements much sooner.

Let’s take a look at what Android 16 brings to your phone and tablet.

Streamlined and Up-to-Date Notifications

Tired of constantly opening your delivery app to check when your food or ride is arriving? Android 16 introduces live updates for real-time info directly on your lock screen or notification bar. This starts with food delivery and ride-share apps, and is expanding to work with features like Samsung’s Now Bar and Live Alerts on OPPO and OnePlus phones.

Notifications from the same app will now be grouped together automatically, making them easier to read and manage, reducing clutter on your screen.

Clearer, Simpler Calling With Hearing Devices

Android 16 brings big improvements for users with hearing aids. You can now choose to use your phone’s microphone for clearer voice calls instead of the mic on your hearing aid, which may not capture your voice well in noisy places.

There’s also native hearing aid control now. This means you can adjust volume, change settings, and manage your hearing devices right from your phone’s settings, all in one place.

Stronger Security in a Single Tap

Google is adding its most advanced security option to Android 16: Advanced Protection. With one tap, you get protection from online attacks, scam calls, harmful apps, and unsafe websites. Whether you're a high-profile figure or just want top-level security, this feature helps keep your data safe.

Enhanced Productivity for Tablets

If you use Android on a tablet or a foldable, Android 16 is a big upgrade. Google worked closely with Samsung to bring a new desktop windowing mode. Like a PC, you can now open, move, and resize multiple app windows on the same screen, not just split-screen.

Later this year, Android 16 will also be added,

• Custom keyboard shortcuts, so you can assign your own hotkeys
• Taskbar overflow, a visual way to access more apps when your taskbar is full
• Support for connecting tablets and phones to external displays for a true desktop experience

Developers can already start testing these features today.

And There’s More

Android 16 also includes.

• HDR screenshots for better image quality
• Adaptive refresh rate for smoother performance
• Improved identity check features for better app and device security

Plus, expect more Material 3 Expressive design updates to arrive later this year, not just on Android 16, but also on Wear OS 6 for Pixel smartwatches.

To learn more about Android 16 features, visit Android.com/16.