Android 16 will roll out everywhere else later this year.
It's official: Android 16 is now available. It's great news for Pixel users, who will be the first to run the new version of Android, featuring hints of Material 3 Expressive, Live updates, improved hearing aid support, and Advanced Device Protection. Google is also teasing the desktop windowing that's on its way to Android tablets.
Some might consider today's Android 16 rollout a so-called "power move" on Google's part, launching a major software release the day after Apple's keynote previewed similar features coming to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. While it's true the girls are fighting (again), this is no victory lap for Android 16. This rollout is only for Pixel 6 devices and later, and it doesn't even include the Material 3 Expressive makeover. Devices from Samsung and Motorola, for instance, will have to wait a bit before seeing their respective software updates.
Android 16 will introduce Live Updates for notifications. They work similarly to Apple's Dynamic Island on the iPhone, but instead of a bar affixed at the top of the screen, it's a progress bar in the notification shade to let you know food or your ride is on the way without having to switch apps. Google says it's working with more app partners to bring this capability across "the Android ecosystem." Samsung's Now Bar and Oppo/OnePlus's Live Alerts will support this feature.
Android Device Protection is another significant part of the Android 16 package. When enabled, this API ensures the "highest" level of protection on all fronts, from the device to the software. Developers can also leverage it to implement additional safeguards for their apps when this mode is enabled at the system level.
Unfortunately, Android 16 is not the debut of Material 3 Expressive. The new design paradigm is Google's response to the current design trends, which favors sprinkles of "emotion" in the user interface in an attempt to reel in Gen Z. But you won't see much of it take over until later this year. Material 3 Expressive is likely to make its debut alongside the Pixel 10 series devices.
For tablet users, Android 16 will soon give you the desktop-like experience you've been waiting for. Later this year, desktop windowing will be available for all Android tablet devices, enabling you to rearrange app windows on the Home screen and split the screen more fluidly. Desktop mode will also be available on an external monitor once a Pixel smartphone is connected—Android's native "DeX mode" is almost complete. If you're eager to try it out now, the latest developer beta provides access before it's available to the general public. The preview also allows you to try out the improved mouse pointer interactions, providing a truly desktop-like experience despite being powered by a mobile device.
For hearing aid users, Android 16 enhances call volume and allows you to switch between microphones. Most Bluetooth LE-connected hearing aids have a built-in front-facing microphone to pick up peripheral sound, which is why this feature wasn't working too well for some users. Now, you can switch to the phone's microphone for clearer calls.
Other features coming to Android 16 include notification auto-grouping, which bundles together repeated pings from the same app so they don't take over the notification shade. Android 16 also features "Safety Check," which allows friends and family to know when you need a virtual wing person on the line. It informs them once you've safely reached your destination.
Pixel users, not only do you get first dibs on the new version of Android, but you also get a sprinkling of new features through June's Pixel Drop. The drop includes Pixel VIPs, a supercharged version of "Favorites" in the Contacts app, custom stickers in Gboard via Pixel Studio, and Expressive captions, which will help transcribe the emotion behind a line of dialogue. For those who use the Google Home app—I still do, even though I haven't set up anything new in years—you can now lay out your favorite devices for easier access on tablets and smartwatches.
