Android 16 is Here 7 Exciting Features Pixel Users Will Love

Key Points

• Android 16 is rolling out now to Pixel 6 and newer models
• Material 3 Expressive design arrives in September
• New notification shortcuts for food delivery apps
• Advanced security and desktop-like mode incoming

Google has officially released Android 16, just days after Apple showcased iOS 26 AI features at WWDC. The new Android update is already available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, giving Google users a head start over iPhone owners, who must wait for the iOS rollout.

🧵Android 16 launches today on Pixel devices, and will be rolling out to other phone brands later this year. Here’s some of what’s new:

🔔 Streamlined and up-to-date notifications for ride-share and food delivery apps
🦻 Enhanced hearing aid compatibility
💪 Stronger security in…

— Google (@Google) June 10, 2025

You no longer need to join the Android Beta program to get this update. If your Pixel hasn’t shown the update yet, an over-the-air package should be on its way soon.

Though Android 16 does not bring an immediate visual overhaul, it introduces several useful new features and a stronger focus on security and productivity.

Google just dropped the stable Android 16 out of nowhere pic.twitter.com/QxbSFwiTrA

— Noah Cat (@Cartidise) June 10, 2025

Pixel Users Get First Access to Android 16

If you’re a Pixel 6 or newer user, you can download Android 16 now without extra steps. Other Android phone owners, however, will have to wait. Google says the update will come to third-party phones “later this year,” but manufacturers typically take time to adapt it to their own devices.

Android 16 is here!!!
It’s just been released today.

And it looks so much better than that Liquid ass OS. pic.twitter.com/adX6dxXlZd

— I Hate Apple (@iHateApplee) June 10, 2025

One key visual update, called Material 3 Expressive, won’t arrive until September 3. According to Android Authority, this will bring a more dynamic and expressive look to Android’s interface. For now, Android 16 is more about under-the-hood improvements and quality-of-life upgrades.

Interestingly, these upcoming design shifts mirror broader trends in tech, such as Microsoft’s evolving Windows 11 Start Menu and the rise of more fluid UI experiences.

The new look of Android 16 👀👇

You will see some satisfyingly springy animation and a more interactive haptic feedback when doing things like:
✅ Dismissing a notification
✅ Closing an app in the recent apps menu
✅ Adjusting the volume level

Also, they’ve enhanced the… pic.twitter.com/tp45BmLopA

— Alvin (@sondesix) May 13, 2025

What’s New in Android 16 Features You Should Know

Notification Shortcuts for Food Delivery

Google is making your food cravings easier to track. Android 16 introduces new notification shortcuts geared toward apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Instead of opening the app, you can now track your order’s ETA right from a shortcut on the home screen status bar. This is a small but thoughtful update for busy users.

Advanced Security Features

Android 16 places a bigger focus on security with features like Advanced Protection. While not flashy, this “set it and forget it” function adds extra layers of phone security without constant user intervention.

Another handy feature is Inactivity Reboot. If your phone remains idle for 72 hours, it will automatically restart and make your data unreadable until you unlock it again. This protects your data in case the phone is lost or stolen.

These types of background innovations reflect a broader move towards making devices more resilient, just as companies explore futuristic hardware such as liquid glass designs that could redefine smartphone durability in the years ahead.

Desktop-Style Mode for Tablets and Larger Displays

Later this year, Android 16 will introduce a desktop-like mode for tablets or phones connected to bigger displays. This allows users to move apps around in resizeable windows, giving an experience similar to a MacBook or Windows PC.

This mode was developed with Samsung, leveraging their experience with Samsung DeX. If you own a Samsung Galaxy tablet, you might already be familiar with this feature. It’s a welcome addition that brings true multitasking power to Android devices.

Interestingly, this aligns with recent trends in the tech world where even gaming devices, such as the new Microsoft handheld gaming PC, aim to blend portability with desktop-class power.

🚨 BREAKING: Google just released Android 16, and it’s insane!

This is the biggest update in Android history.

Here are 11 mind-blowing features that change everything. 🤯👇 pic.twitter.com/q4dwsFcea7

— Alif Hossain (@alifcoder) May 14, 2025

What Else Is Coming

Android 16 also includes several background optimizations designed to improve device performance, battery life, and stability. Google promises a more responsive and reliable experience across the board.

While the Material 3 Expressive visual update is still a few months away, Android 16 already lays the foundation for a smarter, more secure, and more flexible Android experience.

Source: Google – Techtoken

For now, Pixel users get the first taste of this update. If you’re using another Android device, stay tuned — but prepare to be patient, as third-party updates often take longer to arrive.

To explore all the features in detail, you can visit the official Android 16 webpage.