Over the years, mobile operating system updates have become more incremental than innovative. The newest Android release is a prime example of that. Android 16, like Android 15 before it, offers useful battery, accessibility, and notifications enhancements, but it doesn't radically change the day-to-day experience of using your phone. A big reason why is that Google plans to release Android 16 via quarterly updates, so you shouldn't expect a complete makeover while downloading the OS. Some highly anticipated features, like custom keyboard shortcuts and taskbar overflow, won't arrive until later in the year. What's available now is a good start, but it just clearly isn't finished.
Google released Android 16 in June 2025. The company rolled it out to Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 come preloaded with the new OS. Support for other Android phones is expected later this year. If you own an Android handset, you can check its OS update eligibility by visiting Settings > System > System Update. I installed Android 16 on a Pixel 9a handset without issue.
If you're expecting a refreshed interface with Android 16, you must wait a bit longer. Material 3 Expressive, which Google promises is one of its biggest updates in years, won't be available until September, when Android 16's QPR1 update rolls out.
The Material 3 update promises a more fluid feel, delivering playful animations as you interact with your device. It will also include more customization options, such as updated color schemes and typography. You'll also be able to add more of your favorites to Quick Settings. Material 3 Expressive will also roll out to Wear OS watches. We're interested to see how Material 3 Expressive compares with Apple's Liquid Glass makeover in iOS 26, which promises a similar fluidity in the Lock Screen, Control Center, app icons, and other UI elements.
Notifications receive the most noticeable upgrade. Google is partnering with ridesharing and food delivery apps to provide live updates, so you don't need to keep toggling to the app to see how close your car is or when your meal will arrive. In testing, Uber pushed useful notifications our way as the car drew near. In a nice touch, a pop-up encouraged us not to open the app for status updates, urging us to rely on the notifications.
In general, I receive so many notifications that many get lost. Notification grouping helped me with that—and it's just what it sounds like. Android 16 grouped notifications from the same app together (think Messages, for example), making it easier for me to sort through them. iOS has similar functionality, but you must first enable it in Settings. It's on by default in Android.
Pixel VIPs is a new Contacts app widget that lets you view details about your closest friends and family. From the widget, you can view details such as their location (if shared), upcoming birthdays, recent messages, and other information. There's a memo tab you can use to capture events you'd like to invite them to, jot down gift ideas, and other tidbits. It's easy to set up: Just long-press anywhere on your home screen, then select Widgets > Contacts.
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However, Pixel VIPs isn't a game-changing addition. Favoriting contacts or glancing at recent calls and messages offers much of the same functionality. Google must enhance Pixel VIPs with truly new features to make it a worthwhile new feature.
On the upside, Android 16 has two enhancements for hearing aid wearers. Google added an option to let you control a hearing aid's volume and other settings from your phone. For example, you can use your phone's mic instead of your LE Audio hearing device's mic for calls if you’re in a noisy area.
A new Battery Health setting lets you check on, well, the health of your Android battery. Located in the Settings menu, it offers battery-related info and suggestions on how to extend its longevity. When I accessed it using a Pixel 9a—it’s only available on Pixel 8a and newer handsets—I saw its estimated battery capacity and several suggestions for keeping it strong. The tips included turning on Adaptive Charging, turning off unneeded features, and keeping the phone away from extreme temperatures.
Apple has had a similar feature to this since iOS 14.5, which came out in 2021, so Android is playing catch-up. It's a welcome feature, though.
Want to get a new phone? Android 16's Trade-in Mode speeds up the process. Technicians enable this feature to streamline inspections, bypassing the setup process to run device diagnostics. This mode should help alleviate the inspection bottleneck and expedite your refund or credit without requiring any action on your part. It's a potential timesaver, but we're unable to test it until it’s time to move on to a new Android handset.
Google's Advanced Protection program is already available for its desktop products, but Android 16 brings it to your phone. Turning it on ensures that your phone's security features work together to safeguard you from online attacks and malware. Intrusion Logging is an Android-specific feature that backs up device logs if you suspect that someone has compromised your device.
Android 16's upcoming QPR1 rollout will include many features not in the current version of the mobile OS. They include:
The ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys. However, Google has not disclosed what actions you can perform with these hotkeys.
Haptic sliders for volume, brightness, and other functions. Google says the tactile feedback will help make your adjustments more precise as you slide a finger across the screen.
An adaptive refresh rate that responds to the content on your screen. It should make for a smoother overall navigation experience and better battery life.
Predictive back, which lets you preview your previous screen when you hit the back button before committing to it. It should help you avoid surprises when you're multitasking.
Taskbar Overflow will help you find the app you need when the taskbar is full.
Desktop windowing will let you attach your Android phone to a larger screen, such as a tablet or laptop. Google collaborated with Samsung on this feature, so it will build on what Samsung's DeX already does.
Final Thoughts
(Credit: PCMag Composite: James Martin/Rene Ramos)
Google Android 16
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Android 16 isn't a mind-blowing mobile operating system—at least not yet. It builds on the previous versions with cool Live Updates, grouped notifications, and Battery Health features, but some of the more intriguing elements won't be available until later in the year. It's good to keep your OS up to date, but there's no need to download Android 16 unless you want to explore a handful of new features right now.
Jeffrey L. Wilson contributed to this review.
