2025 is here!
And Android 16 has already started to make headlines on the internet with its wide range of upcoming features.
Though the Android 15 update has already been out for the Pixel lineup, Google has already started making plans for Android 16 to compete with iOS 18 toe-to-toe.
Just a couple of months ago, Google launched the first Android 16 developer preview and now without further ado, the company has already started working on the Android 16 developer preview 2.
Did you know?
Google still uses the dessert codenames and the upcoming Android 16’s internal codename is “Baklava”. (Source: Android Authority).
Just like every other fresh update, it’s worth installing on your secondary smartphone to avoid bugs and glitches.
Although the Android 16 developer preview 1 update has already brought some significant additions, the 2nd update will likely push past the limit.
Excited to learn more about Android 16? Let’s dive in!
| Table Of Contents: 1. When Will Android 16 Launch in 2025? 2. What are the Popular Android 16 Features Announced by Google? 3. What are the Upcoming Features of Android 16 in 2025? Final Thoughts |
When Will Android 16 Launch in 2025?
According to some trusted sources, it’s coming earlier than the expected date! Speaking of the specific date, the company is all set to announce the major release of the Android 16 in Q2 2025. If we go as per the anticipated date, Google may launch in either April or May 2025.
But according to the latest leak, the Android 16 is all set to make its way on June 3.
Though you may know the recent leak date for the Android 16, you might be wondering- Will it run on my Android smartphone?
Here is a list of the Pixel devices that support Android 16.
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
If you own a Pixel smartphone, you should consider installing Android 16 to get your hands on a wide range of features.
What are the Popular Android 16 Features Announced by Google?
Let’s take a look at the Android 16 features that are coming with the official Android 16 update in 2025.
#1. Health Records
Google understand how many people are developing craze for fitness! With Android 16 Developer Preview 1, Google is currently updating “Health Connect” to support multiple health records. Furthermore, it would ultimately assist the app to both read and write “Electronic Health Records” in the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard.
Since the feature is currently under progress, Google is cautiously limiting it with an early access program which may force developers to apply for access before playing around with it.
Here’s the best part…
With the upcoming Preview 2, Google is focused on adding a new Activity_Intensity data type, based on the WHO guidelines for moderate and strenuous activities.
#2. New Embedded Photo Selector
Though the feature has already been launched in the Developer Preview 1 of Android 16, Google is all set to add new APIs to enable search from cloud media providers in the Android photo picker. Furthermore, there is a search functionality in the photo picker which will likely debut in Preview 2.
Gone are the days when adding media was a real hassle that would require the app to access your entire library, which is a pure hassle. Furthermore, the photo picker allows you to pick the photos and videos that you want to upload which may ultimately prevent the app from viewing anything.
#3. Enhanced Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR)
One of the popular Android features is the “Adaptive Refresh Rate”! Though it has already made its debut with Android 15 on Pixel devices, it is still coming with Android but includes some better support.
Coming to its functionality, it enables the refresh rate on supported hardware to cater to the current content frame rate. This, in turn, will help in reducing power consumption while eliminating the need for switching multiple modes.
#4. Improved Security
With the upcoming Android 16, Google is taking the security aspect to the next level! In 2025, apps can effortlessly combine the protocol’s higher accuracy, dynamic scheduling, and enhanced scalability which may include the AES-256 encryption. One of the major highlights of the upcoming security aspect is that it effectively prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Furthermore, it allows it to be effectively used in proximity use cases like opening your car’s door.
#5. Predictive Back Upgrades
The upcoming Android 16 Developer Preview 2 update will likely add new APIs to aid developers in enabling predictive back system animations in the gesture navigation such as the “back-to-home” animation.
What are the Upcoming Features of Android 16 in 2025?
Here is a list of the features of Android 16 in 2025 that you cannot afford to ignore.
#1. App Functions with Gemini
Use your voice to multitask across apps and perform complex actions like replying to an incoming text via voice and then use a “Photo” for follow-up.
#2. Desktop Windowing
It comes with a new hidden toggle called “Enable desktop mode on secondary display” which replaces the old “Force Desktop Mode Toggle”.
#3. “Dimmer” Screen Brightness
This setting would enable your phone’s display to go dimmer than the standard brightness level. But when the ambient lighting is high, it automatically returns to normal brightness.
#4. Bundled Notifications
It is powered by the Android System Intelligence which processes notifications to hide sensitive content from the unethical notification listeners.
#5. Blocking Old Notifications
In this upcoming update, the Android smartphone will now reject notifications that are more than 14 days old. Though you may only get details, these notifications will no longer alert you with a sound or vibration.
Here are some other essential Android 16 features to be included in 2025.
- Notification Cooldown
- New Screen Recording & Casting Tips
- Stash Notification Bubbles
- App Switcher During Partial Screen Sharing
- Open any app in a floating bubble
- Do Not Disturb mode changes, introduction of Priority mode, and renaming to Modes
- More improvements to the screen recording system
- App switcher during partial screen sharing
- Stash notification bubbles
- Lock Screen Widgets
- Pixel: Redesigned Pixel wallpaper app
- Contacts Storage page for backing up contacts
- Keyboard shortcut menu in the side navigation rail
- Touchpad gesture tutorial
- Improvements to Advanced Protection Mode
- Trade-in mode for ADB
- New Terminal app to run Linux apps in a virtual machine
- Auracast focus: Audio sharing to nearby Bluetooth LE Audio streams
- Corner swipe gesture for invoking the default assistant
- Pixel: New lock screen clock options and customization
- Android 16 for TVs
- Recent apps in the taskbar
- Manually set 80% charging limit
- Pixel phones get Linux kernel 6.1 update
- Customize the shapes of home screen icons
- Smaller changes
Final Thoughts
So, these are the major changes to see in the Android 16 platform in 2025! There’s no denying the fact that Google will likely foster an end-to-end Android desktop mode experience. If you’re a business planning for Android app development, this Android 16 update in 2025 will likely dominate the app development landscape.
Have an Android app idea in mind? If so, simply visit EitBiz or you can even drop us an email at info@eitbiz.com to discuss your mobile app development needs today!
