Android 16 Release Date, New Features & Compatible Devices

Android 16 is creating a lot of excitement, even though Android 15 is still in the process of being rolled out to eligible devices.

As the next version is on the horizon, users are eager to know about its release date, the devices that will support it, and the new features it will bring.

Here’s everything we know so far, as Android 16 has recently entered its third beta.

When will Android 16 be released?

Google has officially announced that Android 16 will be launched earlier than previous versions, aiming for a release in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June). This shift aligns with Google’s strategy to better match Android OS releases with device launch schedules.

If Android 16 is available by June, the Pixel 10 series, expected in mid to late 2025, will launch with the new OS pre-installed. This timing would ensure that major Android launches are ready for upcoming devices from Google and other manufacturers.

Additionally, Google has announced a “minor release” for Android in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December), likely to be Android 16.1, which will focus on feature updates, optimization, and bug fixes following the main Android 16 release.

While Google has not provided an exact release date for Android 16, a report from Android Headlines suggests that it will happen on 3 June 2025, with the update becoming available to Pixel devices via over-the-air rollout on the same day.

If this holds true, it would be a change from previous years, where there was a delay between the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) release and the OTA updates for the Pixel devices.

As a reminder, here are the release dates of previous versions of the system:

• Android 15 – September 2024
• Android 14 – October 2023
• Android 13 – August 2022
• Android 12 – October 2021
• Android 11 – September 2020
• Android 10 – September 2019

While we wait for the full release of Android 16 later this year, the third Developer Preview is available now to test with your apps. Only one more beta is expected, focusing on bug fixes, with a final release planned for Google’s supported Pixel devices by the end of June.

Which devices will get Android 16?

As with every major Android update, a wide range of Android phones from different manufacturers will receive the Android 16 update.

Google’s own Pixel phones are always among the first to get new Android versions, so expect the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, and future Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10 series, to get the update as soon as possible.

In addition, many current and future Android flagship phones from companies such as Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi, and others are expected to receive Android 16.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

It’s important to note that manufacturers typically roll out updates based on device tiers and regional strategies. High-end devices usually receive updates first, followed by mid-range and budget models.

If you’re unsure, here’s a list of all the devices expected to get the Android 16 update. There’s also a useful Android 16 Update Tracker that monitors many of the most popular handsets.

What new features will we see in Android 16?

Although we’re still a long way from the final version of Android 16, its beta versions, along with several hints, leaks, and even official announcements, give us a glimpse of what we can expect.

Stackable widgets

Google is considering adding stackable widgets to Android, allowing users to group multiple widgets and swipe through them, similar to the organization on iPhones and Samsung’s One UI. This feature would help save home screen space and improve organization.

During a recent Q&A on YouTube, Google mentioned looking into stackable widgets for the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP), which would make it easier for manufacturers to adopt. However, there’s no timeline for its release, and it’s unclear if development has begun.

While not confirmed, the feature would be a welcome addition for better home screen management.

Lock screen widgets

Google has also announced that it will be expanding lock screen widgets to more Android phones and tablets. Currently, this feature is only available on the Pixel Tablet.

Lock screen widgets will be reintroduced with Android 16, marking their return after being removed in earlier Android versions. Google has confirmed that developers will be able to enable these widgets soon after Android 16’s official release, expected in June.

Although the feature is not yet active on Android 16 beta devices, Android Authority managed to activate it and discovered an interesting detail.

On the Pixel Tablet, users can access widgets by swiping right on the lock screen. However, on smartphones, widgets are linked to Android’s screensaver mode, which only activates when the device is charging or docked.

Fortunately, Google will allow developers to decide how the widget interface is triggered, meaning phone manufacturers may implement different approaches.

Notification summary feature

Android Authority reports that Google is testing a new notification summaries feature in Android 16, designed to automatically summarize conversation notifications from messaging apps. Discovered in Beta 3, the feature appears in Settings > Notifications with an option to exclude specific apps from summarization.

Unlike Apple’s broad notification summaries, Google’s approach is more limited, summarizing only conversation notifications explicitly designated by apps. The feature is expected to rely on on-device AI using Google’s Gemini Nano model, which may limit its accuracy due to the short and often ambiguous nature of notifications.

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

While present in Beta 3, it is currently non-functional, suggesting it may not launch with Android 16’s stable release but could arrive in a later update or Android 17.

Customizable icon shapes

According to Android Authority, Google is bringing back icon shape customization to the Pixel Launcher, a feature last seen in Android 11. Now, in Android 16 Beta 3, an “app shape & layout” menu has been discovered, allowing users to choose from six different icon shapes.

The feature applies a mask to home screen, app drawer, and folder icons but does not affect icons in the recents screen or Settings app. The available shapes include circle, square, and more complex geometric designs.

Redesigned Settings app

Android Authority also reports that Google is testing a redesigned Settings app in Android 16 Beta 3, aimed at improving navigation and visual clarity.

The new “expressive” design introduces Material You switches with X or checkmark icons, settings entries placed in distinct cards, arrow icons indicating subpages, and a repositioned header to display more items at a glance. Other minor tweaks include a bubble for the back arrow and larger dropdown pills, but the main Settings homepage remains unchanged.