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Google has officially unveiled Android 16 during its Android Show event. Headlining the update is a visual redesign titled Material 3 Expressive and some beefed-up security measures. The update is set to roll out to Pixel devices starting in June 2025, with broader availability expected for other manufacturers later in the year. Take a look at all the major changes below.
Material 3 Expressive Brings Visual Overhaul
Android 16 debuts Google’s “Material 3 Expressive” design language, building upon the “Material You” concept introduced in Android 12. This new aesthetic emphasises vibrant colours, dynamic animations, and customizable interface elements, aiming to provide a more personalised and distinctive user experience.
It’s refreshing to see something different from an operating software’s look. Nothing does it well with NothingOS, but it is also just plain black and white. Google has gone for some colour and, although not to everyone’s tastes, I think they should be commended for it.
Notably, the update also introduces improved Live Updates, allowing ongoing app notifications to be pinned to the lock screen, similar to Apple’s Live Activities feature. These notifications will persist across various display layers, including the lock screen and always-on display. It’s also a bit similar to Samsung’s ‘Now Bar’ which also allows notifications to appear on the lock screen.
Is Android slowly getting closer to iOS? It would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. Is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. Besides, Apple is apparently implementing a complete redesign for iOS 19.
Gemini Integration Across Platforms
Another significant shift in Android 16 is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI, which is set to replace Google Assistant across various platforms, including Wear OS, Android Auto, Google TV, and Android XR. Gemini offers more natural, contextual commands and a conversational interface, with select offline capabilities planned for future updates.
Gemini already exists in many Android phones in a separate app form, like the ChatGPT app, but Android 16 will weave it through the actual software.
Enhanced Security Measures, Device Tracking and Battery Health Monitoring
Android 16 introduces a range of new on-device security measures. One of these is the Advanced Protection security suite (similar to Apple’s Lockdown Mode), designed to safeguard users against cyber threats. Key features include intrusion logging capabilities, which securely store device logs in the cloud for analysis, and restrictions on risky web functionalities and vulnerable technologies like 2G networks.
Additionally, the update enforces Android’s Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) to protect against memory vulnerabilities.
You know what I said about iOS earlier? Well, Google’s existing device-tracking app have been rebranded as the familiar-sounding “Find Hub”, expanding its functionality to include tracking friends and third-party items. Future updates will incorporate satellite and ultra-wideband support, as well as airline tracking integration.
Android 16 also introduces a battery health monitoring feature, part of a growing trend of companies focusing on battery longevity as part of their pitch to consumers. Users will now be able to assess their smartphone’s battery status and capacity, again much like the existing iPhone feature.
Release Timeline and Device Compatibility
Android 16 is scheduled for release in June 2025, with Pixel devices receiving the update first. The update will subsequently roll out to other manufacturers, including Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, later in the year. The development timeline included multiple beta releases, with the platform reaching stability in March 2025.
This also isn’t the full list of new features, those will be announced in due course when we get closer to the launch date.
