As expected, Google rolled out the first stable release of Android 16 for its Pixel lineup. The update is now available to Pixel 6 series and newer phones as well as the Pixel Tablet. Android 16 stable is available as an OTA update for the following devices.
Eligible devices for Android 16 stable:
Two of Android 16’s biggest changes are not part of this first stable release. We’re talking about Material 3 Expressive and the new Desktop mode, which will arrive later.
Google also released its developer-focused Android 16 QPR 2 beta, which includes the new Desktop mode. It requires a DisplayPort connection to the external monitor and allows users to run multiple apps with resizable windows. There’s a taskbar that shows running apps and an app drawer.
Connected phones operate independently from the external display. If you’re using a tablet like Google’s very own Pixel Tablet, the desktop session will be extended across both displays so you can drag items across both the tablet screen and the connected display.
Android 16 stable brings support for adaptive apps, which ensure apps scale and behave properly regardless of your phone’s screen size, orientation or form factor. This should be a big boost for foldables.
Notifications from a single app will now be grouped to reduce clutter.
Android 16 grouped notifications
Google is also overhauling its notification management with Live updates – dynamic notifications for ongoing activities like navigation, ride-hailing, and food delivery. These types of notifications will be available on your lock screen and in the system status area.
Android 16 Live updates
Users with hearing aids will get a new native control toggle which brings battery status, presets, microphone selection and volume control. Users can now switch to using their phone’s microphone for better voice pickup in noisier environments.
Android 16 hearing aids control screens
Advanced Protection allows users to protect their personal data from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, and scam calls.
Tablets are getting a new desktop windowing option. This feature allows users to open, move and resize multiple app windows in a desktop-like interface. This feature will roll out later this year on compatible devices.
Other features in Android 16 stable include custom keyboard shortcuts, HDR screenshots, adaptive refresh rate controls, and identity check.