A day after Apple shared news about iOS 26, Google has launched its latest major software update — Android 16. But this update isn’t available to all users right now. Right now, only certain Google Pixel devices can get it. Android 16 has big improvements in security, design, and performance, making it one of the best and fastest Android updates in a long time.
Although using Android 16 feels familiar, like Android 15, it also has some fresh and exciting features.
These include real-time notifications, support for AuraCast to share audio, new ways to manage notifications, and better options for using multiple windows.
Android 16 is expected to reach more devices than any other Android version.
Most phone brands now provide at least three Android updates for their budget and mid-range phones. So, Android 16 will likely be available for most phones made in the past couple of years. Budget phones have often been left out for a long time, and it’s great to see they are finally getting longer-term support.
For Google’s own devices, all Pixels starting with the Pixel 6 series will get the Android 16 update.
That means the Pixel 5 and older models are skipped, but they will still receive feature updates and security fixes. Starting June 10, all Pixel phones will be able to install the Android 16 update.
Google is now promising seven years of software updates — even for the Pixel 8a — so updates won’t be a problem in the future.
Android 16 Update Guide
In most cases, your Android phone will get the update automatically.
You don’t need to do anything, and the latest version will install in the background when it’s ready.
If you want to check your current Android version or see if Android 16 is available for your phone, you can do it manually.
Open Settings
Tap About phone > Android version
Check your “Android version”
Android 16 New Features
Android 16 includes several new features:
– Usability improvements
– Accessibility improvements
– Multitasking tools
– Security and privacy changes
Android 15 vs Android 16 Comparison
Android 16 builds on the features of Android 15, adding new tools and updates.
With features like custom keyboard shortcuts and desktop windows, Android 16 makes using your phone easier. Additional security updates help you control your data better, and accessibility improvements make it easier to use your Android phone, making it even more powerful.
