Android 16 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful updates in years, introducing Material 3 Expressive and a host of other enhancements. And now, we finally have an official release window for when Pixel users can expect the update to roll out.
At the Android Show: I/O Edition held on May 13, Google unveiled a range of new features coming to Android later this year. During a press briefing before the event, Allen Huang, Google’s Director of Product Management for Pixel and Android system UI, confirmed the specific month Android 16 will be released.
He stated, “So, the updates for Material Expressive are going to be available on Pixel devices first later this year, but it’s not going to be part of the public release in June.” For those who’ve been keeping up with Android 16 developments, this isn’t much of a surprise the update was already expected to roll out sometime in May or early June.
The latest version has already hit platform stability with Beta 4, and we’re likely to get an official release date during the upcoming Google I/O event next week. Once the stable version rolls out, other manufacturers like Samsung with One UI 8 will begin finalizing their own Android 16 builds.
It’s important to note that not all the flashy new features like Material 3 Expressive will be available at launch. Instead, they’ll roll out gradually through quarterly Pixel updates. Personally, I’m more excited for those upcoming builds than the initial Android 16 release itself. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FAQ
Google has confirmed that Android 16 will roll out to Pixel devices later this year, but not in June. The exact release date is expected to be announced during the upcoming Google I/O event.
Material 3 Expressive is a new design update offering richer customization and more dynamic UI options. However, Google has confirmed it will not be available at launch. Instead, it will roll out later through quarterly Pixel feature updates.
Yes. Android 16 has reached platform stability with Beta 4, meaning most APIs and system behaviors are final. Developers can now start optimizing apps confidently ahead of the public release.
Once the stable update rolls out for Pixel phones, other manufacturers such as Samsung (One UI 8), Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others will begin customizing their own Android 16 builds. Their timelines will vary depending on testing and UI adaptations.
No. While the core Android 16 update will be available at launch, major features like Material 3 Expressive and certain UI enhancements will be released gradually through quarterly Pixel updates.
