Google’s Android 16 update promises to change your phone forever — here’s what’s new

Android 16 features new features: After months of beta testing, Google has now released the stable version of Android 16 for Pixel devices and tablets, as per a report. Even though the overall experience of using Android 16 may be similar to Android 15, but there are a few new features that could change your phone's experience forever.

The update began deploying to qualifying Pixel phones on June 10, with wider deployment to devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi later in 2025, as per the Android Central report.

Live Updates Brings Real-Time Info to Your Lock Screen

One of the key features includes Live Updates, a more intelligent notification system that provides you with real-time updates on the likes of food delivery, pick-ups by rideshare, and navigation instructions right on your lock screen, according to the Android Central report. It is like Live Activities on iPhones, but integrated entirely into the Android experience.

ALSO READ: Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ faces shutdown before Halloween - here’s the wild backup plan

Notifications Get Smarter and More Organized

Notifications as a whole will receive a significant upgrade as Android 16 improves notification grouping, so multiple notifications from the same app will be conveniently shown together, streamlining organization in your phone's notification bar, as per the report.

Capture Better Videos with the New APV Codec

Google is also adding the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which will make video capture of much better quality, particularly for devices already sporting strong camera hardware, according to Android Central. APV supports 4K and 8K video recording with high bitrates, HDR10+ support, and perceptually lossless video quality.

ALSO READ: Why pay more? These apps reveal the cheapest food, petrol, flights and parking - download them fast

Auracast Adds Audio Sharing to Your Phone

Android 16 introduces support for Auracast, a new Bluetooth LE audio-sharing capability, as per Android Central. With Auracast, your phone is able to share audio with several devices simultaneously, so you can share what you're listening to with others or tap into public audio broadcasts at locations like airports or train stations, according to the report.

Originally restricted to certain models of hearing aid during beta testing, Auracast now functions with any Bluetooth LE audio device. You can use two pairs of earbuds and pair them with one phone for simultaneous listening or with it to assist with speech enhancement in noisy situations, as per Android Central.

ALSO READ: Apple quietly fixes the most annoying AirPods problem with this hidden iPhone update

Advanced Protection Strengthens Phone Security

Android 16 brings Advanced Protection, a new security feature that includes auto-blocking for older 2G networks, alerts users to risky websites, and provides additional protection against theft and account takeover, according to the Android Central report.

Which Phones Get Android 16?

Android 16 is now available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 8a, which gets Google's new seven-year software update promise. The older Pixel models, such as the Pixel 5, will receive security updates but not be updated to Android 16.

The update is arriving on additional phones in the near future, with companies such as Honor, Lenovo, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Vivo, and Xiaomi all part of the Android 16 beta, as per Android Central.

ALSO READ: Are Apple, OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Amazon plotting to take down state AI regulations?

FAQs

Can I get Android 16 on my Pixel phone now?
Yes, if you have a Pixel 6 or newer, as it started rolling out on June 10, as per the Android Central report.

Is Pixel 5 getting Android 16?
No, Pixel 5 won’t get Android 16, but it will continue receiving security updates, as per the Android Central report.