ISLAMABAD: Google has officially released Android 16, marking the earliest rollout of a major Android version in recent memory.
The update is initially available for supported Pixel devices and will be expanded to other Android phones later in the year.
Android 16 brings a sleek new design, major accessibility upgrades, advanced security, improved battery life, and powerful tools for both users and developers.
Visual and Functional Upgrades
Android 16 introduces Material 3 Expressive, a refreshed visual language featuring dynamic color theming, blurred backgrounds, smoother transitions, and highly responsive swipe gestures.
These visual improvements are also scheduled for Wear OS 6 later this year, with added enhancements for battery efficiency.
Another headline feature is Live Updates on the lock screen, displaying real-time info like rideshare tracking and food delivery—similar to iOS’s Live Activities.
Advanced Security, Accessibility, and Developer Features
Accessibility upgrades include hearing aid support with better mic control and improved audio clarity.
Security features now block suspicious actions like sideloading during fraudulent calls and auto-terminate screen sharing after a call ends.
The update also introduces Notification Cooldown, reducing repetitive alerts by silencing pings for two minutes.
Android 16 enforces Adaptive Layouts, requiring all apps targeting API level 37 to support dynamic resizing—crucial for foldables and larger displays.
New media capabilities include APV codec support, vertical text rendering for languages like Japanese, and direct Google Photos integration in Photo Picker.
Additionally, users can now run secure Linux desktop apps on Pixel devices via the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF).
Other standout updates include Auracast for LE Audio, seamless Bluetooth sharing without pairing, FHIR-format support in Health Connect, and a redesigned Find Hub that tracks offline or dead-battery devices.
Google has also enhanced Quick Settings, introduced an experimental DeX-style desktop mode, and added new RCS features like custom group icons, message encryption verification, and granular mute options in Google Messages.
