Android 16 is out, complete with new features for Pixel phones including live notification updates

Google has released Android 16 to the masses, as it's now available for compatible handsets. The company says new devices will come preloaded with the OS in "the coming months." As usual, it's first coming to Google's own Pixel phones.

The update includes several notable features. The biggest one might be live updates in notifications. This means that stuff like ride-shares and food deliveries will get a progress bar directly in the notification, so folks won't have to constantly open and close the app to wonder why a burrito seems to be stuck four blocks away.

The tool in action.
Google

Also, notifications from the same app will now be automatically grouped together to reduce clutter and pings. There's now support for LE audio hearing aids, with a native control option. Users can also switch to the phone's microphone when using one of these hearing devices for clearer audio in noisy places.

Google has tied all of its security features together, so users can now be protected from "online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more in just a tap." This includes new scam detection features that were previewed back in May.

The security feature opt-in.
Google

Shutterbugs are getting a fairly robust suite of new features, including automatic night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure and more precise color temperature adjustments. UltraHDR images have been improved, with support for HEIC encoding, and Android 16 offers integration with the high-end Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec.

The feature in action.
Google

The company is finally bringing desktop windowing to Android, but it's not ready just yet. That feature will be available to general users later in the year, but Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2 is currently previewing the feature.

There's also a neat Android ecosystem update with some nifty features. This includes upgraded RCS group chats, with custom icons and the ability to mute threads. Google Photos now offers an AI-enhanced image editor that will recommend suggested edits. Emoji Kitchen is receiving new sticker combinations and Wear OS devices can now pay for transit fares without having to open a dedicated app.

The VIPs.
Google

Finally, Google has offered details on the Pixel Drop for June. New features include a Pixel VIPs widget that displays information on preferred contacts and more expressive captions on videos.

Update, June 10, 2PM ET: Well, we jumped the gun on that a little bit. Android 16 should now be available, as previously (and incorrectly) stated. We regret the error.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-16-is-out-complete-with-new-features-for-pixel-phones-including-live-notification-updates-170006935.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-16-is-out-complete-with-new-features-for-pixel-phones-including-live-notification-updates-170006935.html?src=rss
Created 1mo | Jun 12, 2025, 4:10:27 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

Google spends £3 billion on securing energy for its data centers and AI expansion

Google has closed a $3 billion deal to

Jul 15, 2025, 4:50:41 PM | Engadget
Insta360's X5 cam update brings ND filters, a giant battery and improved exposure

Insta360 has launched a firmware upgrade and new accessories for its X5 360

Jul 15, 2025, 4:50:40 PM | Engadget
Sony's 61MP RX1R III fixed-lens compact camera is finally here after a ten-year wait

Sony just surprised the photography world by unveiling the RX1R III, a fixed-lens

Jul 15, 2025, 4:50:39 PM | Engadget
Lucid will add hands-free driving options later this month

Lucid is about to roll out its first hands-free features. On July 30,

Jul 15, 2025, 4:50:36 PM | Engadget