Android 16 Release: First Smartphones
Source: trak.in
Android 16 Update Coming Sooner
Google is preparing to release the stable Android 16 version as early as June, a shift from its usual October launch. The announcement was confirmed at the recent Android Show, where the update’s timeline was revealed.
Android 16 will arrive months earlier than past releases. This indicates the beta testing phase should end soon. The update will include new features and interface updates, starting with Pixel devices. Not all Android phones will get the Android 16 update, as it targets newer models.
Google Pixel Devices
The following Google Pixel devices will be among the first to receive the update:
Samsung Devices
Samsung will also be an early adopter of Android 16, including the Galaxy S25 series (Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Galaxy S25 Edge). These models are expected to come with Android 16 pre-installed. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 will also receive the early update.
Other brands like Vivo and Oppo are likely to offer Android 16 on newer smartphones later in the year.
What to Expect in Android 16
Google separated the Android 16 announcement from Google I/O to focus on the update amid AI-related announcements at I/O 2025. The user interface has been redesigned under Material 3 Expressive Design, offering custom themes, smoother animations, and larger fonts. Quick Settings is revamped with tile resizing, drag-and-drop arrangement, and improved feedback through motion and haptics.
Live Activities will provide real-time updates on the lock screen and in notification areas, similar to a feature from Apple, showing information like food delivery and navigation progress. Battery health monitoring will provide battery capacity details, helping users identify when a replacement might be needed. Security upgrades include a Factory Reset Protection Loop to prevent stolen phones from being reset, and an Advanced Protection Mode with offline locking, USB port blocking, and scam detection. Google Assistant will be replaced by Gemini AI, designed for enhanced AI-powered interactions.