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Google has launched the first stable version of its latest mobile operating system Android 16. It has started with Pixel devices and is being described as the fastest-released major Android update in recent years. This update comes with real-time features like Live Activities and security features like Advanced Protection.

Which devices will get Android 16?

Google said that currently the rollout of Android 16 has been started only on those Pixel devices which are registered in the Android Beta program.

Google Pixel 9 Series
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 8 Series
Google Pixel Tablet
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel 7 Series
Google Pixel 6 Series

Users can check it manually by going to Settings > System > Software update > System update > Check for updates. This update will also come to devices of other brands in the coming months.

Key Features of Android 16

Live Updates (iOS Live Activities like feature)- Real-time updates of ride-sharing and food delivery apps will now appear on the lock screen. Google is also preparing to integrate it with Samsung Now Bar, Oppo Live Alerts, and OnePlus.

Advanced Protection- This feature, which protects malicious websites, scam calls, and online attacks, will now control the security settings of apps like Google Chrome, Messages, and Phone in one place. In the future, third-party apps will also be included in it.

Hearing Device Support- Now LE Audio hearing devices of different brands will get better support. Users will be able to improve call quality through audio input from the front mic or phone.

Desktop-like windowing experience- This new feature created in collaboration with Samsung DeX is for tablets and large screen devices, which will have multi-window support, resize and move facility. It will work like a desktop.

Material 3 Expressive Design – This new design language, showcased at Google's I/O 2025 event, will also be rolled out in the next update of Android 16, QPR1, which is expected to arrive next month.