Explore the new features in Android 16, designed to boost productivity and enhance security. Android is constantly evolving to bring you an even better experience. This article explains what to expect from the latest Android version, helping you to maximise your device’s potential.
What is the latest Android version? Android 16 explained.
The latest Android version is Android 16.
With each release, Android is committed to improving your experience. From enhanced accessibility to strengthened security, we're always working to make your Android-powered device even better.
When is the latest Android version out?
Android 16 will automatically start rolling out over the coming months. Keep in mind that update schedules can vary by device and manufacturer.
Find out when the latest Android update will arrive on your device:
- Check when Android 16 is available for your Google Pixel phone
- Check when Android 16 is available for your Google Pixel tablet
- Contact your manufacturer or operator if you have another Android device
How do I update to Android 16?
In most cases, your Android device will update automatically, so you don’t need to do anything. The latest version will simply install in the background when it’s ready.
However, you can also manually check your current version or see whether Android 16 is available on your device.
- Open Settings
- Tap About phone or About tablet > Android version
- View your “Android version”
Get more information on how to manually check and install the latest Android updates.
What are the new features in Android 16?
Android 16 comes loaded with a range of great new features:
Here’s a closer look at what’s new in Android 16:
Usability enhancements.
Notifications on your device are now easier to manage and more intuitive. Android 16 brings:
- Auto-grouping: reduces clutter by grouping similar notifications, making it easier to find what you need.
- Live updates: track your ride or delivery progress in real-time right from your notifications with compatible apps.
- Predictive back: see a preview of your previous screen before going back with the predictive back feature in three-button navigation.
- Haptic sliders: tactile feedback makes adjusting volume and brightness more precise with haptic sliders.
- Adaptive refresh rate: enjoy a smoother experience and optimised battery life with adaptive refresh rate that automatically adjusts your display when viewing content.
Multitasking tools: Enhance your productivity
Android 16 introduces multitasking features to boost your productivity. Here’s what’s new:
- Desktop windowing: open, group and resize multiple app windows for an easier experience on larger screens. Desktop windowing is enabled by Android 16 and will be available later this year.
- Custom keyboard shortcuts: navigate and launch apps faster with custom keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity on bigger screens.
- Taskbar overflow: manage multiple open apps and find the window you need quickly with the new taskbar overflow feature.
Accessibility: Designed for everyone.
Android 16 includes more accessibility features to make using your device a more seamless experience and help you stay focused on what matters most.
- Phone as mic input (for LE Audio hearing aids): turn your smartphone into a microphone input for other devices to amplify your voice, without extra equipment.
- Enhanced hearing aid support: use your Android device to control hearing aids, and switch to your phone as input for clearer calls in noisy environments.
Security: Privacy and trust.
Our mission to create a private and secure platform continues with Android 16 , which goes further to protect your data and privacy with expanded security features.
- Identity Check: the new Identity Check feature requires biometrics outside trusted locations to prevent account takeovers.
- Trade-in Mode: Trade-in Mode enhances the trade-in experience and provides trustworthy access to diagnostics (only available on a wiped device to ensure privacy).
- Advanced Protection: get the strongest protection from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe sites, scam calls, and more. Advanced Protection collects multiple safeguards in one place, so you can keep your device and data secure with one tap.
What’s the difference between Android 15 and 16?
Android 16 builds on the core capabilities of Android 15 with new features and updates.
With Android 16 features like custom keyboard shortcuts and desktop windowing, the latest Android version makes using your device easier than ever. Added security updates keep you in control of your data, and accessibility enhancements put everything you need right at your fingertips, making your Android-powered device even more powerful.
More possibilities with Android 16.
Android 16 introduces a range of updates that open up more possibilities to upgrade your experience, productivity and security.
Take a look at all the new features in Android 16 and find out how they can enhance your Android-powered device.