Google Releases the Android 16 OS Months Earlier Than Expected
A day after Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 25, Google has pushed the button on one of its most ambitious midyear releases yet with the official launch of Android 16, along with June's Pixel Drop of exclusive features.
Rolling out first to most supported Pixel phones, Android 16 lands months earlier than recent major versions, with a focus on productivity features and enhancements. These include Live Updates for tracking deliveries and rideshare cars, streamlined notifications, the ability to use desktop-style windows when your phone's connected to a monitor, new device security features, native controls for hearing aids and more.
Shipping the OS in June, instead of the traditional August to September window, lets Google push fresh features into users' hands sooner, and gives phone makers extra runway to preload Android 16 on new phones set to debut in the fall.
For Pixel owners, the update begins rolling out at 11 a.m. PT, with support for third-party phones coming later this year. Developers, meanwhile, get a new QPR beta that enables the external-monitor preview so they can start optimizing apps for bigger workspaces. Here's what you need to know.
Android 16 arrives first on the Pixel
Google is pushing a stable build of Android 16 to most supported Pixel phones today. The update layers a fresh Material 3 Expressive coat of paint on top of the OS and adds several new features, too.
Android 16 will run on the Pixel 6 and later.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Live update and streamlined notifications
If you're waiting for your sushi to arrive or watching your rideshare slowly inch across town, Android 16 now offers live updates that are pinned to your lock screen, so you don't have to keep opening an app to stay in the know. Also, notifications from the same app are now automatically grouped, reducing clutter on your lock screen from notification-heavy apps like Gmail and Ring.
You won't receive individual notifications for a single app anymore.
Google
One-tap Advanced Protection for everyone
A single toggle now bundles Google's toughest defenses, blocking dodgy websites, scam calls and even USB attacks while the phone is locked. Originally built for high-risk users like journalists and politicians, Advanced Protection is free and available for everyone on Android 16.
Clearer calls for those with hearing aids
If you use Bluetooth LE hearing aids, Android 16 lets you flip a switch that routes your voice through the phone's superior microphones instead of the tiny mics in your hearing aids, perfect for when you're in a bustling coffee shop or windy beach. There's also a new on-device panel for adjusting hearing-aid volume and presets in one place.
Android 16 brings improvements for people who use hearing aids.
Google
Better productivity for tablet owners
Tablet owners running Android 16 will get a desktop windowing mode later this year, built in partnership with Samsung. It lets you float, snap or resize multiple app windows on your device, like you would on a desktop, and Android 16 lays the groundwork for that.
Android 16's desktop windowing will be released later this year.
Google
How to download Android 16
If you want to download and install Android 16 today, grab your Pixel and go to Settings > System > Software update > Check for update, and the roughly 2GB download should appear. If you don't see the update yet, just wait -- it's slowly rolling out to users today.
Before you download, make sure your phone is on Wi-Fi, plug your phone in if the battery's low, and back up anything critical before you install. Once the file finishes, a quick reboot should complete the upgrade. Owners of Samsung, OnePlus and other Android devices will need to wait for their manufacturers' rollout notices later this year, but the process will be the same: Head to the software-update screen and follow the on-screen prompts.
If you're on the Android 16 beta, you can turn your Pixel into a plug-and-play desktop
Google's latest Android 16 beta (QPR1 Beta 2) lets Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 owners turn their phones into mini desktops. All you need to do is plug your phone to any external monitor with a USB-C cable, and a full task-bar-and-window interface will appear. You can juggle multiple apps side-by-side, pin favorites and even use keyboard shortcuts.
You need to enable desktop experience features in the developer settings.
Google
If you want to try out the Android 16 Beta, you can enroll your Pixel 8 or 9 at google.com/android/beta, then go to Settings > System > Software update to download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 over the air.
Non-Android 16 new features also released today
Alongside Android 16, Google is releasing half a dozen features across the wider Android ecosystem today:
Custom group chats . You can pick an icon and name, see who's on RCS and set a timed mute.
. You can pick an icon and name, see who's on RCS and set a timed mute. Smarter Google Photos editor. Use one-tap AI fixes, text-prompt "Reimagine" edits and auto-crop.
Use one-tap AI fixes, text-prompt "Reimagine" edits and auto-crop. Room-specific Google Home shortcuts. You can pin a camera to your TV, lights to your phone, thermostat to your watch.
You can pin a camera to your TV, lights to your phone, thermostat to your watch. Extend Safety Check timers. Add extra minutes from the phone or Wear OS without restarting the countdown.
Add extra minutes from the phone or Wear OS without restarting the countdown. Fresh Emoji Kitchen mash-ups. For more expressive stickers, you can create new combos like pointing pigs and thankful carrots.
For more expressive stickers, you can create new combos like pointing pigs and thankful carrots. Faster transit taps on Wear OS. Swipe your watch and pay, even with Google Wallet closed.
These are all the new features being released today across the entire Android ecosystem, not just Android 16.
Google
All six arrive via Play Services and app updates, no upgrade required.
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