Android 16 will bring this Pixel Tablet-exclusive feature to more devices

Android 16 is already generating buzz, despite the fact that Android 15 is currently still being rolled out to eligible devices.

With the next version on the horizon, users are curious about its release date, the devices that will support it, and the new features it will bring.

Here’s everything we know so far, as Android 16 has just entered its third beta.

When will Android 16 be released?

Google has officially confirmed that Android 16 will launch earlier than previous versions, aiming for a release in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June). This shift aligns with Google’s strategy to better match Android OS releases with device launch schedules.

If Android 16 is available by June, the Pixel 10 series, expected in mid to late 2025, will launch with the new OS pre-installed. This timing would ensure that major Android launches are ready for upcoming devices from Google and other manufacturers.

Additionally, Google announced a “minor release” for Android in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December), likely to be Android 16.1, which will focus on feature updates, optimisation, and bug fixes following the main Android 16 release.

Google

While Google has not given an exact release date for Android 16, an Android Headlines report claims it will take place on 3 June 2025, with the update becoming available to Pixel devices via over-the-air rollout on the same day.

If true, this strategy would contrast with previous years, where there was a delay between the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) release and the OTA updates for the Pixel devices.

As a reminder, here are the release dates of previous versions of the system:

• Android 15 – September 2024
• Android 14 – October 2023
• Android 13 – August 2022
• Android 12 – October 2021
• Android 11 – September 2020
• Android 10 – September 2019

While we wait for the full release of Android 16 later this year, the third Developer Preview is available now to test with your apps. Only one more beta is expected, focusing on bug fixes, with a final release planned for Google’s supported Pixel devices by the end of June.

Which devices will get Android 16?

As with every major Android update, a wide range of Android phones from different manufacturers will receive the Android 16 update.

Google’s own Pixel phones are always among the first to get new Android versions, so expect the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series and future Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10 series, to get the update as soon as possible.

In addition, many current and future Android flagship phones from companies such as Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi and others are expected to receive Android 16.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

It’s important to note, however, that manufacturers typically roll out updates based on device tiers and regional strategies. High-end devices usually receive updates first, followed by mid-range and budget models.

If you’re unsure, here’s all the devices expected to get the Android 16 update. There’s also a useful Android 16 Update Tracker which monitors many of the most popular handsets.

What new features will we see in Android 16?

Although we’re still a long way away from the final version of Android 16, its beta versions, along with several hints, leaks and even official announcements, give us a glimpse of what we can expect.

Stackable widgets

Google is considering adding stackable widgets to Android, allowing users to group multiple widgets and swipe through them, similar to the organisation on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This feature would help save home screen space and improve organisation.

During a recent Q&A on YouTube, Google mentioned looking into stackable widgets for the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP), which would make it easier for manufacturers to adopt. However, there’s no timeline for its release, and it’s unclear if development has begun.

While not confirmed, the feature would be a welcome addition for better home screen management.

Lock screen widgets

Google has also announced that it will be expanding lock screen widgets to more Android phones and tablets. Currently, this feature is only available on the Pixel Tablet.

Lock screen widgets will be reintroduced with Android 16, marking their return after being removed in earlier Android versions. Google has confirmed that developers will be able to enable these widgets soon after Android 16’s official release, which is expected in June.

Although the feature is not yet active on Android 16 beta devices, Android Authority managed to activate it and discovered an interesting detail.

On the Pixel Tablet, users can access widgets by swiping right on the lock screen. However, on smartphones, widgets are linked to Android’s screensaver mode, which only activates when the device is charging or docked.

Fortunately, Google will allow developers to decide how the widget interface is triggered, meaning phone manufacturers may implement different approaches.

Notification summary feature

Android Authority reports that Google is testing a new notification summaries feature in Android 16, designed to automatically summarise conversation notifications from messaging apps. Discovered in Beta 3, the feature appears in Settings > Notifications with an option to exclude specific apps from summarisation.

Unlike Apple’s broad notification summaries, Google’s approach is more limited, summarising only conversation notifications explicitly designated by apps. The feature is expected to rely on on-device AI using Google’s Gemini Nano model, which may limit its accuracy due to the short and often ambiguous nature of notifications.

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

While present in Beta 3, it is currently non-functional, suggesting it may not launch with Android 16’s stable release but could arrive in a later update or Android 17.

Customisable icon shapes

According to Android Authority, Google is bringing back icon shape customisation to the Pixel Launcher, a feature last seen in Android 11. Now, in Android 16 Beta 3, an “app shape & layout” menu has been discovered, allowing users to choose from six different icon shapes.

The feature applies a mask to home screen, app drawer, and folder icons but does not affect icons in the recents screen or Settings app. The available shapes include circle, square, and more complex geometric designs.

Redesigned Settings app

Android Authority also reports that Google is testing a redesigned Settings app in Android 16 Beta 3, aimed at improving navigation and visual clarity.

The new “expressive” design introduces Material You switches with X or checkmark icons, settings entries placed in distinct cards, arrow icons indicating subpages, and a repositioned header to display more items at a glance. Other minor tweaks include a bubble for the back arrow and larger dropdown pills, but the main Settings homepage remains unchanged.

While this design is present in the latest beta, it may not launch with Android 16’s stable release and could arrive in a later update or Android 17.

Refreshed status bar

As per another report by Android Authority, Google is working on a refreshed status bar for Android, with new icons appearing in Android 16 Beta 3.

The latest beta includes changes to the Wi-Fi signal strength icon, which now displays three segments instead of five, and a redesigned battery icon with a dynamic colour scheme. The battery icon shifts from white to red when low and turns green while charging. It also features a bolder font for the percentage and a flipped orientation.

As with the redesigned Settings app, these new icons are not yet enabled by default in Android 16 Beta 3, and it’s uncertain whether they will appear in the final release. They could instead arrive in a later Android 16 update or even in Android 17, potentially alongside a redesigned notifications and Quick Settings panel.

New features for three-button navigation

Android Authority reports that in the upcoming Android 16 update, users of three-button navigation will gain the ability to preview their next screen by pressing and holding the back button.

Although this feature is in early development, it already works with apps like Google Calendar, though some functionality, such as the preview for returning to the home screen, isn’t yet fully operational. Predictive back support for three-button navigation might appear as early as its first beta.

Beyond predictive back, Android 16 might introduce a corner swipe gesture for summoning the default assistant when using three-button navigation.

Users are also hoping for additional improvements, such as the ability to customise the order of the back and recent buttons. These updates aim to enhance the experience for users who prefer or rely on three-button navigation.

Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock

As per another Android Authority report, with the second developer preview (DP2) of Android 16, Google introduced a new option to use fingerprint unlock even when the screen is off.

Traditionally, under-display fingerprint scanners require the screen to be woken before unlocking. However, Android 16 DP2 resolves this inconvenience with the ‘Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock’ setting.

Android Authority

This feature is accessible via the ‘Security & Privacy’ settings and has been confirmed to function effectively on the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

If users are hesitant to install Android 16 DP2, there are alternatives to ensure the fingerprint scanner remains ready for use. These include enabling the ‘Always show time and info’ option, the ‘Lift to check phone’ setting, or the ‘Tap to check phone’ feature, all found in the display and lock screen settings.

Redesigned Quick Settings and notification panels

Yet another Android Authority report shares that one of the most significant changes in Android 16 will likely be a revamp of the notification and Quick Settings panels. The current design, introduced with Android 12, in which both are shown in one panel, might be replaced by a separated, dual-shade system.

In this new design, notifications will take up less screen space, and accessing Quick Settings will require a two-finger swipe. This change could be controversial, but it allows for more flexibility in organising notifications and settings.

Redesign volume UI

It appears that Google is planning significant user interface changes not only in the Quick Settings and notifications panels, but also in the volume panel and slider (via Android Authority.)

Android 15, released last year, introduced a collapsible volume panel with a thicker, pill-shaped design for sliders, including tappable icons for muting and a persistent media output shortcut. In contrast, the updated volume panel in Android 16’s Developer Preview 2 reveals a shift to thinner, continuous sliders with handles, adhering to Google’s Material Design 3 guidelines.

This simplified design may make it easier to gauge precise volume levels, although opinions on its aesthetics may vary.

The accompanying volume slider has also had a redesign. It now features a less rounded appearance with a thin rectangular handle, and the volume stream icon is positioned at the bottom instead of the top. The three dots opening the full volume panel are smaller, while the mode selector displays options in rounded rectangles.

Advanced Protection Mode

Android 16 is expected to enhance its security features with a new Advanced Protection Mode (via Android Authority).

This mode, originally introduced for Google accounts, might be expanded to offer app-level security customisation. Apps will be able to detect if this mode is enabled and apply additional security measures, such as extra authentication steps or screen locks.

Find My Device enhancements

Improvements to Google’s Find My Device feature are also anticipated. Android 16 could build on Android 15’s theft detection features, offering more accurate location tracking and expanded options for securing lost or stolen devices.

AI-driven features

As AI becomes a bigger focus for mobile platforms, Android 16 is likely to include more AI-powered tools. These could include enhanced privacy features, smarter notifications, and more efficient battery and performance management.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

We might also see new AI-powered apps debut with Android 16, leveraging Google’s AI capabilities to improve user experience.

Press the power button twice to open the wallet

As per Android Authority, Android 16 Beta 2 introduces a new feature that allows users to access their wallet by double-pressing the power button, a gesture previously reserved for launching the camera.

While users still need to verify their identity before making transactions, this feature streamlines the process. The setting can be adjusted under ‘Gestures’ in the phone’s settings, where users can choose between launching the camera or their wallet.

Additionally, this function isn’t limited to Google Wallet, allowing users to select other wallet apps if preferred.

Live Updates feature

Google announced the ‘Live Updates’ or ‘Live Notifications’ feature with Android 16 Beta 1 in January, but it has yet to appear in the ongoing Beta 2. Meanwhile, a demo app by developer Viktor Mykhailiv offers a preview of how it will work.

Mishaal Rahmaan from Android Authority used the app to showcase progress-based notifications (see the video below), modifying them to stay ongoing, a key requirement for Live Updates.

A video demonstrates its functionality across the status bar, notifications panel, and always-on display, using the new ‘setShortCriticalText API’ to display text in a status bar chip.

Live Updates will replace other notification icons in the status bar, with a tap opening a heads-up pop-up. Similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, this feature will allow real-time updates for flights, food deliveries, and events.

A new way to trigger screen saver

Another discovery suggests that Android 16 could introduce a new way to activate the screen saver without requiring the device to be docked.

Currently, Android only allows the screen saver to be triggered in two scenarios: while charging or when docked and charging. Since Android doesn’t recognise many charging stands as docks, users must enable the first option to activate the screen saver.

However, this also means the screen saver will activate with any type of charger, which can be inconvenient for those who only want it when their device is on a stand.

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

According to a report from Android Authority, one key addition could be a “postured” trigger for screen savers, allowing activation only when the device is upright on a stand while charging, rather than with any charger.

While this code has been found in Beta 2, the feature is not yet active, and it remains to be seen whether it will be available.

Better desktop mode

Desktop mode is another area in which Android 16 might see improvements. While this feature has existed in experimental form, it’s possible that Android 16 will offer a more polished and functional version, allowing users to turn their phones into makeshift desktop environments when connected to external monitors.

Gemini camera enhancements

With Android 16, expect further enhancements to camera systems across devices, especially with the Gemini camera framework.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Google may focus on improving computational photography, which could mean better low-light performance, faster processing times, and more powerful editing tools within the native camera app.

System UI overhaul

Another exciting prospect is the ongoing rework of the System UI, known internally as ‘Flexiglass’ (via Android Authority). This redesign seems to aim to make the Android system more modular, separating core components into individual ‘scenes’, which could result in improved performance and stability.

While the official release of Android 16 is still months away, the features and improvements it promises are already generating excitement. We’ll keep an eye on Google’s announcements as we get closer to mid-2025 for more official details.

In the meantime, check out our list of the best Android phones that will definitely get an Android 16 update.

Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor