Android 16, which was previously open for testing, is now releasedOfficial version updateIt will first be available for installation on Pixel series models and the first wave of brand models that support the upgrade, and will be available for installation on more brand models in the future. Google also announced that new phones launched in the next few months will also be pre-installed with the Android 16 operating system.
Android 16 adoptionNew "Material Design 3 Expressive" design language, and further upgraded the Gemini artificial intelligence technology application. In addition, it also updated the real-time update notification presentation method, allowing users to more conveniently know the progress of Uber vehicle reservations, such as the arrival time, or the estimated arrival time of Uber Eats delivery, thereby reducing the number of times the app is frequently opened. At the same time, push messages from the same app will be integrated and classified for users to view more conveniently.
In addition, Android 16 has also officially joined the Bluetooth Technology AllianceAuracast audio broadcast functionIt is also compatible with hearing aids connected via low-power Bluetooth, and can adjust the sound with native control options in the Android 16 interface, or use the phone's microphone to help hear clearer sounds.
The camera function has added automatic recognition of night mode scenes, and added hybrid automatic exposure and more precise color temperature adjustment performance. It also updates the UltraHDR image performance, supports HEIC encoding, and integrates the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which means that image content can be stored at a lower encoding rate and higher quality video content can be played.
All security features are now in the same location, allowing users to avoid online attacks, harmful applications, unsafe websites, scam calls, etc. through intuitive settings.
Other upgrades include the addition of upgraded RCS group messaging, which adds custom icons and a mute function. Google Photos also adds a photo editor enhanced by artificial intelligence technology, and can use new emoji sticker combinations through Emoji Kitchen. In addition, Wear OS watches also have the ability to pay for fares without opening transportation-related apps.
However, the new version of the desktop function previously demonstrated during Google I/O 2025 is now available in the Android 16 QPR 3 Beta 2 preview test version, but the official version seems to have to wait until later this year to be officially launched.
In addition, Google has also added a new "Pixel VIP" contact widget for Pixel series models through the newly released Pixel Drop update function, allowing users to easily grasp all information of important contacts at a glance through the form of a desktop widget, including recent calls, messages (including WhatsApp message records, etc.), their shared real-time location, and even information such as birthdays. Incoming calls or messages set as VIP contacts will not be restricted by the "Zero Disturbance" mode.
All sensitive information, such as call and message logs, is stored only on your device, eliminating privacy concerns. To fully utilize the gadget, we recommend including detailed information for your VIP contacts, such as birthdays, email addresses, and home addresses, during setup for the most comprehensive experience.
Other updates include the addition of instant search to the "Magnifier" function, the addition of a clear voice function to the recording tool that can eliminate background noise, and Android 16 provides a photo editor enhanced by artificial intelligence technology, as well as low-power Bluetooth connection voice hearing aid compatibility, which will also be available to more Pixel models.
