Over the past five years, Android has seen a number of visual and under-the-hood improvements. Still, Google has largely focused on enhancing security and AI rather than revamping the user interface. Last month, Google hosted a dedicated Android event where it introduced Material 3 Expressive as a key part of the Android 16 update. Now, Android 16 is officially rolling out to eligible Pixel devices here’s a look at what’s new.
What’s New on Android 16?
We’ve broken down all the new additions in detail in our Android 16 features guide as soon as they were revealed. But if you’re looking for a quick overview, here are some of the standout features.
One of the most notable features added in Android 16 is the introduction of progress-centric notifications. Similar to iOS’s Live Activities and what several Android brands already offer, this feature lets apps display real-time updates for ongoing tasks. It’s especially useful for apps that rely on frequent user updates like food delivery services, ride-hailing apps such as Uber, or navigation tools like Google Maps.
Another major upgrade is the addition of native support for Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR). While many devices have offered ARR for years, Android 16 brings official, system-level support along with new APIs. This could significantly reduce the stutter or choppiness seen in apps that aren’t fully optimized, once developers integrate the updated APIs into their apps.
Ever since Android introduced the new photo picker with cloud integration, one key feature had been missing: the ability to search for images directly within your preferred cloud storage app. With Android 16, that’s finally changing. Users can now use keyword-based search like those available in Google Photos to quickly find and share specific images through other apps.
Android 16 also brings major refinements to Predictive Back Gestures, now with system-wide support. Not only are these gestures more intuitive within gesture navigation, but they’re also available for users who prefer the traditional three-button layout. Visually, the animations feel smoother and more polished than in earlier versions, giving the whole experience a more refined touch.
Android 16 introduces a range of new privacy and security APIs, including features like Privacy Sandbox and Local Network Permissions, giving users greater control over their data and app access. On the camera side, there are several notable upgrades as well new APIs bring enhancements like hybrid auto-exposure, color temperature and tint adjustments, night mode detection, UltraHDR support, and more, offering developers better tools to deliver improved photo experiences.
Finally, Android 16 comes with an upgraded Factory Reset Protection (FRP) system. This enhanced version makes it even harder for thieves to get past the Google sign-in screen if a device is stolen, adding an extra layer of security to protect user data.
Those are some of the standout features Android 16 has to offer. This latest version addresses past inconsistencies, introduces new APIs for a smoother experience, and brings solid improvements in both performance and security.
That said, Google’s much-anticipated Material 3 Expressive redesign isn’t part of this release just yet. According to the company, that update will roll out to Pixel phones “later this year,” likely as part of an upcoming feature drop.
Android 16: Eligible Pixel Phones
These Pixel devices will be the first in line to get the Android 16 update before it becomes available to other brands. Notably, the Pixel 6 and 7 series are included thanks to Google’s recent decision to extend software support for both by an additional two years.
- Pixel 9 / 9a / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a
- Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
- Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
Android 16 is also expected to make its way to select Samsung, Nothing, and OnePlus devices in the coming months. With Google actively collaborating with various OEMs, the update should reach phones like the Galaxy S25, OnePlus 13/13T, and the Nothing Phone 3a series by late June or July. For other models, the complete rollout may take a bit longer.
What do you think about Android 16? Which features caught your attention the most? And looking ahead, what are you hoping to see in Android 17? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
