Google has officially released Android 16 for compatible devices, with new handsets expected to come preloaded with the OS in the coming months.
The update introduces live notification updates, allowing users to track progress bars for services like ride-shares and food deliveries directly within notifications, eliminating the need to open apps repeatedly.
Notifications from the same app are now grouped automatically to reduce clutter. The update also adds support for LE audio hearing aids, including native controls and an option to switch to the phone’s microphone for improved sound clarity in noisy environments.
Security enhancements consolidate protections against online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls, and more, accessible with a single tap. New scam detection features previewed earlier this year are also included.
Photography receives several upgrades, such as automatic night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure, and precise color temperature adjustments. UltraHDR images now support HEIC encoding, and the OS integrates the advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for high-end video capture.
Desktop windowing for Android is on its way but not yet generally available. It is currently in preview through Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2, with broader rollout expected later this year.
Improvements to the Android ecosystem include enhanced RCS group chats with custom icons and thread muting, an AI-powered image editor in Google Photos suggesting edits, new combinations in Emoji Kitchen stickers, and Wear OS devices gaining the ability to pay transit fares without a dedicated app.
Google also announced Pixel Drop updates scheduled for June, featuring a Pixel VIPs widget to highlight preferred contacts and more expressive video captions.