Android 16 is here with smarter notifications and desktop-like tablet features

Google has officially unveiled Android 16, with the update now rolling out to supported Pixel devices and more brands expected to follow later in the year. Marking the earliest release of a major Android version in recent years, Android 16 brings a fresh wave of improvements across accessibility, productivity, security, and design. Seang Chau, Vice President and General Manager of the Android Platform, detailed the update’s new features in an official announcement.

At the heart of Android 16 is the introduction of Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design system, which aims to make the user experience not only more customizable but also more intuitive and visually coherent. The update introduces streamlined notifications, enhanced support for hearing aids, better multitasking for tablets, and stronger mobile security — all designed to keep users connected and productive without sacrificing ease of use.

Live Notifications That Keep You Updated

With Android 16, staying on top of things like food deliveries or ride-share arrivals is easier than ever. Instead of repeatedly opening an app to check on the status of your order, Android now supports real-time updates directly in your notification panel. Initially available through select ride-share and delivery apps, this feature is being integrated into platforms like Samsung’s Now Bar and the Live Alerts systems used by OPPO and OnePlus.

To help users manage notification clutter, Android 16 introduces automatic grouping of notifications from the same app. This not only reduces screen overload but also makes it easier to scan and act on important alerts.

Smarter Hearing Device Integration

Android 16 takes significant strides in improving accessibility for users with hearing aids. Traditionally, many hearing devices use their own forward-facing microphones to pick up external sound — which isn't always ideal in loud environments. Now, users have the option to switch to their phone’s built-in mic during calls, offering clearer audio and a more natural conversation experience.

Additionally, Android 16 includes native support for controlling hearing devices directly through the phone’s interface. Users can now adjust volume or other settings without needing a separate app, making the process faster and more consistent across devices.

One-Tap Advanced Protection

Security is also getting a major boost. Android 16 enables users to activate Advanced Protection — Google’s most robust mobile security suite — with a single tap. This feature is designed for anyone looking for maximum defense against phishing, malware, scam calls, and other digital threats. Whether you’re a public figure or simply someone who values digital safety, Advanced Protection brings peace of mind and comprehensive coverage.

Transforming Tablets into Workstations

Tablets and large-screen devices get a productivity overhaul in Android 16. Working in collaboration with Samsung, Google has developed a desktop-style windowing system, allowing users to open and resize multiple app windows simultaneously — much like they would on a traditional computer. This upgrade, inspired in part by Samsung DeX, adds flexibility beyond single-app or split-screen modes, making it easier to multitask and navigate between different tasks.

Later this year, Android 16 will introduce additional productivity tools for tablets, including customizable keyboard shortcuts and taskbar overflow management. These features aim to create a seamless workflow, particularly when using a tablet or phone with an external monitor — a scenario that developers can already begin testing with this update.

Looking Ahead

Beyond these core upgrades, Android 16 brings additional features such as HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate adjustments, and improved identity verification tools. Users of Pixel devices can expect to see many of these enhancements immediately, while others will become available in the coming months.

Further design refinements using Material 3 Expressive are also on the horizon — not only for Android 16 but also for Wear OS 6, offering a unified and polished experience across Google’s ecosystem.

To explore the full list of Android 16 features, visit Android.com/16.