Android 16: New Features and Updates for Pixel Devices

Google has officially released the first stable version of Android 16, making it available to Pixel devices. The update is now rolling out as an OTA update for eligible models, including the Pixel 6 series and newer devices. While some of the most anticipated features are yet to arrive, this release brings exciting updates and sets the stage for future enhancements.

Eligible Devices for Android 16

The stable version of Android 16 is available for the following Pixel devices:

Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet

Key Features in Android 16 Stable

Adaptive Apps for Versatile Displays
Android 16 introduces adaptive app support, ensuring applications scale seamlessly across different screen sizes, orientations, and device form factors. This improvement is particularly beneficial for foldables and tablets.
Enhanced Notifications
Notifications have been overhauled in this release. A single app’s notifications are now grouped to minimize clutter, and dynamic “Live updates” have been introduced. These live notifications, perfect for tracking ongoing activities like navigation or food delivery, appear on the lock screen and system status area.
Native Hearing Aid Controls
Android 16 now includes native controls for hearing aid users, allowing access to battery status, volume settings, microphone selection, and customizable presets. For noisy environments, users can switch to their phone’s microphone for improved voice clarity.
Advanced Protection Features
With Advanced Protection, Android 16 enhances user security, offering tools to defend against unsafe apps, harmful websites, online attacks, and scam calls.
Tablet Desktop Windowing
Although not yet live, Android 16 promises a desktop-like experience for tablets later this year. This feature will allow users to open, move, and resize multiple app windows, boosting multitasking capabilities.
Additional Enhancements
Other updates include support for HDR screenshots, custom keyboard shortcuts, adaptive refresh rate controls, and identity verification improvements.

What’s Missing?

Notably, two of Android 16’s headline features, Material 3 Expressive and the new Desktop Mode, are absent in this initial release. However, they are available in the Android 16 QPR 2 beta, designed for developers.

Desktop Mode requires a DisplayPort connection to an external monitor, enabling users to open resizable app windows and manage a taskbar with active apps. When connected to tablets like the Pixel Tablet, the desktop session extends across both the tablet screen and the external display, offering enhanced functionality.

The Future of Android 16

With its rollout, Android 16 provides foundational updates and user-centric improvements while teasing powerful features in the pipeline. Pixel users can look forward to further enhancements, especially as Google continues to refine its Desktop Mode and Material 3 Expressive design.