Tech & Gadgets - Pulse Picks
What’s New in Android 16? Everything You Need to Know Right Now
If you’ve been waiting for the next big Android upgrade, Android 16 is finally here. Released publicly on 10 June 2025, this update marks a new blend of polished design, real-world conveniences, and top-tier security, all built to make your Android experience more personal and powerful.
Android 16 features eye-catching yet practical design elements, including smart tools such as Live Updates on your lock screen, audio sharing, and desktop-style multitasking. We’ve packed in details about supported devices, expected rollout timelines, and even clever tips to get the most from your Android phone.
So, whether you use a Google Pixel or another Android brand, this friendly walkthrough explains why Android 16 matters and why this update is about making your phone smarter, safer, and more fun to use.
What Is Android 16? Release Date & Supported Devices
Android 16 officially dropped on 10 June 2025, for Google’s own Pixel line. That’s faster than the usual September releases, a clear signal that Google wants updates out sooner.
At launch, Android 16 is available to Google Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel 7, 8, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, will follow with their own versions later in the year.
The Google Pixel 7 offers a sleek, powerful Android experience with 8GB of memory, a sharp 6.3-inch display boasting a 2400 x 1080 resolution, and seamless 5G connectivity, it’s designed for speed, clarity, and responsiveness. Fully unlocked for all carriers, it supports both 4G and 5G networks, making it a flexible option no matter your provider.
Price:$324.95 ShopAmazon
While named simply Android 16, internal code whispers suggest it’s called Baklava; a nod to Google’s tradition of naming desserts. This release marks a shift toward earlier updates, offering exciting new features before autumn.
READ ALSO: Apple's Latest Updates: Your Ultimate Guide to OS Updates
Android 16 isn’t just a routine upgrade; it introduces features that truly reflect how people use their phones on a daily basis. Below are 12 of the most exciting and useful Android 16 features:
1. Live Activities on the Lock Screen
Imagine tracking your food delivery, Bolt ride, or flight without needing to unlock your phone. With Live Activities, Android 16 brings real-time updates from supported apps (such as Uber, Glovo, and more) directly to your lock screen.
You can glance at:
ETA of your ride
Order progress
Event countdowns
This feature keeps you informed at a glance and saves battery by reducing unnecessary screen unlocks.
2. Material 3 “Expressive” UI
Google is expanding its Material You design language into a more expressive visual system. That means:
A fresh coat of visual paint is coming later this year under “Material 3 Expressive.” Think springy animations, new fonts, easier-to-read typography, dynamic colours, and fluid transitions, your phone will look and feel smoother and more personal
It’s also more personalized, adapting better to your wallpaper, dark mode preference, and even your app habits.
3. Advanced Protection Mode
You now get enhanced security for free, Google’s VIP-level protection (used by celebs and public figures) is available to all. Scam texts and links are on the rise, and Google is responding. With Advanced Protection Mode:
Android 16 automatically detects suspicious links and phishing attempts
USB access is restricted by default when the device is locked
You get real-time alerts if someone’s trying to steal your data
4. Desktop-Class Multitasking
Android 16 introduces true multi-window multitasking, which is especially helpful on foldables and tablets. You can now run multiple apps side by side, drag and drop between apps, and use your phone like a mini laptop. This means editing a Google Doc while watching YouTube is finally smooth and stable.
5. Auracast + LE Audio Support
With Android 16, your phone can broadcast audio to multiple Bluetooth devices at once using Auracast. Imagine watching a movie with your partner on different earbuds, sharing a podcast with friends during a walk. It also offers improved audio quality and battery savings through LE Audio.
6. Battery Health Stats (Finally!)
Android 16 finally provides you with insights, such as battery health percentage, charging cycles, and charging habits that may harm your battery over time. This was previously a Pixel-only or iPhone feature, but it's now built into Android.
7. Health Connect Is Now Native
All your health and fitness apps (like Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, and Samsung Health) can now share data safely in one place.
Health Connect helps with:
Sleep tracking
Calories burned
Workout logging
And it’s entirely private, so you can control which apps can access what.
8. Built-in Photo and Video Picker
Instead of giving apps full access to your gallery, Android 16 includes a safe, one-time photo picker.
Why it’s useful:
Share a single photo, not your whole album
Prevent apps from scanning old or personal images
Cleaner interface for media uploads
9. Notification Cooldown
Tired of apps buzzing over and over? Android 16 introduces Notification Cooldown, a feature that reduces the volume of notification sounds for repeat alerts from the same app. This is perfect for busy moms or professionals who don’t want to be distracted all day.
10. Scam and Spam Protection Built-In
Google has built scam protection directly into Android 16, scanning:
Messages for fake delivery links
Apps that behave strangely
Suspicious network activity
This works with Google Play Protect, and it’s enabled by default.
11. Improved Accessibility
New tools for users with disabilities include:
Better screen magnification
Real-time captions for media
Gesture-based navigation improvements
There is also improved Braille support and AI-powered text recognition for the visually impaired.
12. Predictive Back Gesture (Now Final)
When you swipe back on an app, Android 16 shows you where it’s taking you before you commit. This helps avoid accidental exits and enhances the overall user experience, particularly in apps with extensive menus, such as Settings or Instagram.
Android 16 and AI: Smarter Experiences with Gemini
Android 16 leans heavily on AI, and Google’s Gemini AI model is at the center of it. Here’s how it transforms the way you use your phone: In apps like Gmail, Chrome, and Docs, you can long-press a block of text and get a summary instantly, without switching apps.
On-Device Gemini Assistant;
Google Assistant is evolving into a more context-aware helper. On Pixel phones, Gemini can read your screen and answer questions about it, suggest following actions, like replying to a message or summarizing a webpage and help draft emails or posts. Because it’s on-device (on newer phones), it’s fast and private.
Android 16 for Pixel Users
If you use a Pixel phone (Pixel 6 or newer), you’re first in line for Android 16. Pixel owners will also enjoy exclusive wallpapers and widgets, as well as Gemini AI integrations (including chat summaries, on-screen help, and context-aware actions). Additionally, they will benefit from enhancements to Live Translate and Call Screen.
Android 16 for Other Android Users:
Samsung, Infinix, Xiaomi, etc. users can expect to receive the Android 16 update in late 2025. You’ll get a notification when it’s ready.Or visit the manufacturer’s website to check expected timelines.
READ ALSO: Gemini, Astra, and More: The Biggest AI Announcements from Google I/O 2025
Why Android 16 Is Worth the Hype
Android 16 is easily one of the most user-focused, secure, and intelligent updates Google has ever released. Whether you care about privacy, multitasking, AI, or just having a smoother phone experience, this version has something for everyone.
It’s a perfect blend of power and simplicity, giving users more control without overwhelming them. So if you’re a mom juggling tasks, a student switching between apps, or a professional who needs their phone to work smarter, not harder, Android 16 delivers.
