Android 16: Those 6 options are definitely worth the replace through NewsFlicks

For years, Google launched the newest model of Android within the 3rd quarter of the 12 months, generally towards the top of summer time or the start of autumn. Android 16 was once as an alternative introduced a lot previous, so it’s already out within the wild. That implies people with trendy smartphones can be expecting it quicker slightly than later. 

Typically, you will have to at all times settle for authentic updates. No longer solely do you get the newest options, however you additionally get safety updates that stay your telephone protected. So, if making a decision to take the replace for no different reason why, that on my own will have to be just right sufficient. Whilst Google I/O 2025, the Android I/O Display, and the developer’s beta gave us a beautiful just right peek at the way forward for Android, I have been checking out out the brand new replace now that it is formally right here.

So, if you wish to get occupied with contemporary, new options, I’ve some cool new stuff to percentage. Should you’re ready to push the replace button, listed here are some options that Google has packed into Android 16 that can assist persuade you to head via with it. 

Subject matter 3 Expressive

Credit score: Google

Let’s get started with what you’re possibly to peer first, and that’s Android 16’s new Subject matter 3 Expressive UI replace. This introduces a bunch of adaptive and responsive UI parts to the OS, from buttons that jiggle whilst you have interaction with them to app controls which can be extra colourful and dynamic than their extra static predecessors. 

You’ll be able to in finding some examples in Google’s video for it, however it’s all lovely neatly concept out. It gained’t trade the capability of anything else, however through giving the entirety a contemporary coat of paint and a extra accountable nature, it surely makes Android 16 really feel other from Android 15, and that’ll turn into much more obvious all over again apps reinforce the brand new UI. 

Adaptive apps make foldables even cooler

Credit score: Google

Talking of apps, Google put some sauce in Android 16 to make the ones paintings higher, too. This one gained’t be readily obvious but as builders want time to combine it, however the thought is neat. Google calls it Adaptive Apps, and the theory is for app builders to make their apps for various display sizes as an alternative of only one. Now that we’re within the generation of foldables, a developer creating a mobile-only UI for his or her apps is a lot more noticeable, and Adaptive Apps fixes that factor. 

The speculation is lovely easy. Apps would glance commonplace on a normal smartphone show, however would routinely unfold out over the width of the display when you use them on a pill or a foldable. This solves one of the vital biggest ache issues with greater presentations in that mobile-only apps nonetheless solely serve as a technique. Like Subject matter 3 Expressive, app builders will want a while to get this going, however after they do, it’ll glance superior. 

Are living replace notifications (and stacked notifications)

Credit score: Google

One among my favourite issues about Android updates annually is the enhancements to notifications. For Android 16, there are two. The primary is what Google calls reside replace notifications, or “constant growth notifications” when you take a look at the API. Those notifications provide you with real-time notifications that ship consistent updates. This was once made for instances like when ordering Doordash and the notification will display you the motive force’s growth with no need to open the app. There are possibly different use instances as neatly and builders have unfastened rein to make use of it. 

The opposite growth is auto-grouping notifications. Those take notifications from the similar app and stack them up in one notification so that you don’t must flick away two, 3, or much more notifications from the similar app. This simplifies the notification coloration through lowering the full choice of notifications when the similar app is sending a number of them, which I individually can’t wait to peer. 

Desktop home windows

Credit score: Google

With Android 16, Google offered desktop home windows to the enjoy. Those can be used maximum steadily on greater monitors like computer systems or capsules, however it brings Android one step nearer to the opposite OS that makes use of home windows. You recognize the only. After all, this will likely surely play with Samsung’s DeX mode. It isn’t to be had but, however can be later this 12 months, however other folks had been ready to check out it out with the QPR1 Beta 2 construct previous this 12 months. 

As well as, greater presentations were given extra love from Google. Exterior show reinforce has been stepped forward as a serve as of Android 16 if truth be told having an actual desktop mode now. This may make the usage of your units on greater monitors with peripherals like keyboards and mice a lot better, and provides you with but differently to make use of your software another way. 

Extra safety protections if you need them

Credit score: Google

Safety is at all times a chief focal point with a big Android replace, and Android 16 is not any other. Google added a couple of new gear that can assist you keep protected and personal. One is known as Id Test, which forces biometrics when having access to particular settings and lines outdoor of relied on places. As an example, in case your telephone is stolen and brought in different places, they gained’t be capable of get admission to your password autofill with out your fingerprint. 

The opposite large addition is Complicated Coverage, which principally acts like Home windows Defender. It’s a integrated safety suite that may determine destructive apps, give protection to from on-line assaults, or even block junk mail calls. In the end, there could also be the Protection Test function within the Non-public Protection app that permits you to take a look at in together with your family members when you’re vulnerable to private harm or going someplace on your own. 

Higher accessibility, particularly for listening to aids

Credit score: Google

Accessibility additionally were given a fairly large spice up, which is thrilling for the ones with impairments. Functionally, the only we predict most of the people will use is the enhanced reinforce for listening to units within the name app. This provides reinforce for extra listening to software manufacturers and allows you to use LE Audio units extra simply all over calls. 

As well as, you’ll be able to use your Android 16 telephone as a microphone enter on your LEA listening to aids and in addition modify the ambient quantity for LE Audio listening to units, permitting you to regulate your listening to software a lot more successfully. Android 16 additionally contains local reinforce for Auracast broadcast audio, which permits Bluetooth LE Audio units to hook up with a couple of assets, which could be a boon for the listening to impaired as neatly. 

Credit score: Google

Those are simply one of the crucial highlights of Android 16. We didn’t even point out the app drawer blurring, APV codec reinforce, and the number of enhancements which can be coming to Pixel units, just like the hybrid auto publicity function. It’s no longer the biggest Android replace we’ve ever noticed, however it’s were given numerous neat stuff to try once you hit that replace button.