Android 16 is expected to be released before the announcement of the Pixel 10. Google had taken its time with the release of Android 15, even launching the new Pixel 9 models with Android 14. However, Android 16 is set to be released quickly, with expectations for it to arrive in the first half of the year. After two developer preview versions, the development has reached the public beta phase. Google has announced some features, and more are expected to come.
Traditionally, each Android version has had a dessert name following an alphabetical order. For instance, Android 1.5 was called “Cupcake,” 1.6 “Donut,” 2.0 “Eclair,” and Android 15 “Vanilla Ice Cream.” Based on this pattern, one might expect the code name for Android 16 to start with “W.” However, Google has named it “Baklava.” The dessert names have not been officially used since Android 10 but are still used internally by developers. “Baklava” is meant to celebrate significant backend changes in Android.
One of the first official features announced for Android 16 is an enhanced photo picker, which allows users to share only selected images and videos with apps. Developers can integrate this feature into their apps using an API. The updated photo picker is not exclusive to Android 16; it will also be supported on older devices down to Android 4.4. This integration requires only a few lines of code with the Android Jetpack library.
Android 16 introduces an early version of the “Health-Connect” feature, enabling the sharing of health records. This feature allows apps to read and write medical records in the FHIR format, facilitating the exchange of information between apps and medical devices, similar to how wearables and fitness trackers work. This feature is akin to “Apple Health” on iPhones.
Another new feature is “Live Activities,” which offers functionality similar to Apple’s live updates on iOS. This feature displays updates on the lock screen, such as delivery times and navigation details, but it is more limited than its iOS counterpart. It does not plan to show sports scores initially and will focus on services like ride-hailing and food delivery.
With Android 16, Google requires developers to design apps that work on all devices, regardless of display size or form factor. This ensures that apps are displayed in full screen on larger devices like tablets and foldables. Although this requirement is not mandatory for games yet, developers should prepare for it as it will become necessary with Android 17, expected in 2026.
Google is also enhancing its AI capabilities with more Gemini extensions, allowing actions across multiple apps with a single command. Currently, Gemini works with Google’s apps, some Samsung apps, and a few third-party options like Spotify and WhatsApp. Google plans to expand support to more apps and devices.
Android 16 introduces an “Audio-Sharing” feature that allows music sharing via Bluetooth. This feature requires relatively new devices, such as Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Privacy Dashboard has been expanded to show app permission access over seven days, instead of the previous 24-hour limit.
Google is improving night photography with a new night mode indicator interface, helping apps optimize photos in low light. Apps like Instagram are expected to use this feature. The update also supports the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for high-quality video recording and editing, along with better support for vertical text rendering.
Some Android 16 features were already hidden in Android 15. Google uses a trunk-based development model, working on a single main branch and using “flags” to activate features in specific builds. This allows for unofficial features to be activated, as shown by expert Mishaal Rahman.
Android 16 is expected to include bundled notifications, organizing incoming messages like Gmail. This feature is currently disabled by default. There is also speculation about app bubbles, allowing any app to appear in a floating “bubble,” a feature that exists in a limited form for chat apps since Android 11.
Another anticipated feature is “Notification Cooldown,” which was expected in Android 15 and might appear in Android 16. This feature ensures that only the first message in a busy chat plays at full volume, with subsequent messages being quieter.
A desktop mode has been discussed, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously and resize app windows freely. This feature would be useful for tablets and foldables with larger screens and when a smartphone is connected to an external display.
Android 16 will further integrate AI with the help of Gemini 2.0 and “App Functions,” enabling AI to perform actions within apps. This could be part of Project Astra and Android XR for AR glasses and headsets.
Android 16 might also include Google’s enhanced security program as part of the system, providing additional protection against phishing, surveillance, and other online threats. This feature, previously activated through a website, could be integrated directly into system settings.
Android 16 is expected to be released in the second quarter, earlier than previous versions, which were typically released between August and October. This earlier release allows new Pixel devices to ship with the latest Android version. Although a specific date has not been confirmed, there is speculation about a June 3, 2025 release.