Android 16 has finally arrived! After multiple Beta releases and practically giving us a hint at almost all the features that will show up with the new OS, Google has launched the stable version of the software today (June 10).
Stable Android versions usually launch between August and October and have mostly coincided with Google Pixel releases. This time around, Google promised an early release and has delivered just that. In its press release, Google also stated that Android 16 will soon bring the new Material 3 Expressive design to Pixel phones, enhancing the overall user experience.
Android 16 is finally here
With today’s Android 16 update, we will get the much-awaited live updates or real-time notifications, allowing users to track everything from food delivery to ride-sharing. This feature will display the status of your ongoing order on the lock screen, or when you simply tap the live updates icon in the notifications dropdown.
“We’re working together with these app partners to bring this capability to the Android ecosystem, including in Samsung’s Now Bar and OPPO and OnePlus’ Live Alerts,” Google added.
Android 16 will also streamline notifications by grouping them together in the notification shade, making things cleaner for users.
Android 16 stable version rolls out to Pixel phones
Android 16 is also making things easier for people who use hearing aids, thanks to LE Audio. While hearing aids have a built-in microphone, they may not be as clear as the one on an Android phone. With Android 16, users will have the ability to switch to using their phone’s microphone for clearer calls in noisy environments. Additionally, users can also control things like volume on their hearing devices right from their Android phone.
Hearing Aids get more controls with Android 16
Up next, Android 16 is introducing additional tools for users to protect themselves from unwanted scam apps, calls, or other online threats. Google’s “strongest mobile device protection,” Advanced Protection, once enabled, activates a range of robust device security features on the phone.