Google published the first stable version of Android 16 on Tuesday, starting with supported pixel devices. The company says it is the first version of a major update of the Android operating system in recent years and provides several new features. It adds live updates for real -time notifications and improved safety measures gracked advanced protection. The company claims that future Android 16 updates will also wear a new design language nicknamed expressive equipment, as well as an office experience on tablets and other devices with large screens.
List of Android 16 compatible models
Google says The deployment of Android 16 begins with pixel devices. All the eligible handsets registered in the Android Beta for Pixel program will be offered the new iteration of the operating system as a live update (OTA). This includes:
- Google Pixel 9 Series
- Google Pixel 9a
- Google Pixel 8 Series
- Google Pixel tablet
- Google Pixel Plé
- Google Pixel 7 Series
- Google Pixel 6 Series
On Pixel devices, users can check the Android 16 update by accessing parameters> System> Software update> System update> Check updates. The operating system will be published by more brands for their respective range of devices in the coming months, depending on the company.
Android features 16
Google has highlighted the main features of Android 16 in a blog article. The update brings a new feature entitled Auto-Group for forced notification. This is a feature that brings together notifications together to prevent several individual notifications from the same applications, depending on the company.
There are also live updates that work similar to live activities on iOS. This feature offers real time updates for carpooling and food delivery applications on the lock screen. Google says it works to bring this capacity to the bar of Samsung Now, as well as live alerts on the Oppo and OnePlus smartphones.
New features in Android 16
Photo credit: Google
Meanwhile, Advanced Protection claims to protect users from harmful attacks, malicious websites, scam calls and online attacks. According to Google, it serves as a unique control point for safety settings in applications like Google Chrome, Message, Telephone, in addition to supporting third -party applications in the future.
The latest update of the Google operating system also promises a simpler experience on different brands of hearing aid devices. Users can control them from their device which has integrated front microphones for audio inputs, or go to the phone as a starter with the audio devices for better call quality.
The update brings a new desktop window experience for large screen devices
Photo credit: Google
The company adds that a future Android 16 update will also bring office windows, based on the capabilities of Samsung Dex. It is developed in collaboration with Samsung and allows users to manage applications and content on devices with larger screens. Users can take advantage of shared application or screen screen modes. It works like an office, allowing you to open, move or resize several application windows in a single screen, which facilitates work on applications. The desktop window on Android 16 will be deployed on more compatible devices later this year.
Meanwhile, the new expressive design of equipment 3 that Google presented in the E / S in May 2025, will also make its way to devices running Android 16 later this year. The new design will also be part of the stable version of Android 16 QPR1 indicated next month.
