Google is preparing to officially reveal Android 16, but this year, users won’t have to wait for the annual I/O event to get a glimpse of what’s new. The company has announced that a special episode of The Android Show will premiere on May 13, offering developers and users an early look at the upcoming operating system.
Last year, Google fell behind its release schedule, resulting in the Pixel 9 series debuting with Android 14 and receiving the Android 15 update afterward. This year, however, the company appears to be ahead of schedule. Android 16 has already cleared major beta release milestones, and Google has signaled that the update is on track for a July launch.
Android 16 name
With Android 16, Google has continued its tradition of naming versions after sweet treats, this time it's called Baklava, referencing the pastry that Indian visitors might have eaten in Turkey.
Now for features, Google has released a beta version of Android 16 which has already confirmed many features and updates coming with the new Android OS. Here are 10 key features and changes expected to arrive with Android 16:
Live App Updates
Android 16 will introduce support for live updates in notifications, allowing apps to display real-time information about ongoing tasks directly within the notification shade. This feature is similar to the "Live Activities" found on the iPhone, offering users quick, glanceable updates without needing to open the app. For instance, users will be able to track the progress of a Zomato or Swiggy order using a visual progress bar, follow navigation directions in real time, or monitor countdown timers—all right from their lock screen or notification panel.
Health Connect 2.0
With Android 16, Google is also enhancing its Health Connect platform. The new Health Connect 2.0 will support sharing of medical records in the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) format the same standard widely used by healthcare providers. This ensures greater compatibility and secure exchange of health data. To maintain user privacy, apps will require explicit permission before they can access or modify any health information.
Additionally, the update introduces activity intensity tracking, allowing workouts to be classified as moderate or vigorous based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), providing users with more accurate insights into their fitness routines.
Improved Photo Picker
Android 16 is set to enhance the photo picker feature, allowing users to select specific images and videos without giving apps full access to their entire media library—much like the functionality already available on iPhones. Google notes that the updated picker will now integrate more seamlessly across different apps, offering a consistent user experience while maintaining strong privacy controls. This ensures users have more control over their media sharing without compromising usability.
App adaptability and continuity
Android 16 will bring significant improvements to how apps adapt to different screen sizes, especially on large-screen devices like tablets and foldables. The update removes unnecessary restrictions on orientation and resizing, allowing apps to automatically adjust to various window sizes and aspect ratios. This creates a more seamless and unified experience across devices. For foldables in particular, Android 16 enhances app continuity, enabling smoother transitions when the device is folded or unfolded, making multitasking and usability more fluid.
Camera Controls
Android 16 is set to introduce more advanced camera controls, giving users greater manual control over settings such as colour temperature and tint. A new hybrid auto-exposure feature will also be added, offering improved handling of challenging lighting conditions. Low-light photography is expected to see enhancements as well, thanks to updated night mode scene detection that better identifies and optimizes dark environments. Additionally, Android 16 will expand UltraHDR support to HEIC files, likely enabling richer colors and greater dynamic range in photos saved in this format.
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Android 16 will improve Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR) support, allowing displays to dynamically adjust their refresh rate depending on the content being viewed. This will result in smoother visuals and improved battery efficiency, as the refresh rate will scale to match what’s needed at any given time. This feature will be especially useful for users who want a better balance between performance and battery life, particularly on devices with high-refresh-rate screens.
Quick Settings
Android 16 will introduce a redesigned Quick Settings system, featuring a dual-panel layout that separates notifications and controls for better organization. The notification shade will now appear as a compact overlay with a single swipe, while Quick Settings will open as a distinct panel, accessible with a two-finger swipe or by pulling down from the right edge of the screen.
New features in Quick Settings will include resizable tiles (11 or 21) for customizable layouts, and a categorized organization system that groups options like Connectivity, Display, Privacy, and more. Editing Quick Settings will be simplified with prominent +/- buttons for easy customization. A dynamic clock will be added, matching the lock screen style, and enhanced media controls will be placed at the top for better access. The brightness slider will also receive an upgrade, now displaying percentage indicators for greater precision. Additionally, connectivity tiles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will support one-tap toggling, while still offering expanded options when tapping the tile body for more control.
Apps can block AI tools
Android 16 will introduce a new system-level control that lets apps specify where AI writing assistance should be restricted. When enabled, this feature prevents AI-powered keyboards or writing tools from offering suggestions in sensitive areas such as password fields, numeric inputs, or other contexts where AI intervention might be inappropriate. This update will enhance privacy by ensuring that AI tools don’t interfere in areas where user data security is critical.
Bluetooth LE Audio Hearing Aid features
Android 16 will enhance support for Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids with two important accessibility features. First, Ambient Sound Adjustment will allow users to fine-tune the volume of surrounding sounds captured by their hearing aids' microphones, making it easier to balance background noise. Second, Microphone Switching will enable users to toggle between their hearing aids' microphones and their phone's mic, improving voice clarity in noisy environments. These updates aim to provide a better, more customizable hearing experience for users with hearing aids.
Identity check feature coming to more Android phones
Android 16 will expand its identity verification feature to more devices beyond just Pixel and Samsung phones. This built-in authentication tool offers a standardized method for apps to securely confirm a user's identity when needed, enhancing security and convenience. With this expansion, more users will be able to take advantage of reliable, seamless identity verification across a wider range of devices.
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