A day after Apple announced iOS 26, Google has released its major software upgrade – Android 16. However, this update isn’t available to everyone just yet. Currently, only select Google Pixel devices are eligible. Android 16 brings numerous upgrades to security, design, and performance, making it one of the best and earliest Android rollouts we’ve seen in years.
While the overall experience of using Android 16 feels similar to Android 15, it still includes some new and exciting features. These include real-time notifications, AuraCast support for audio sharing, new notification management features, and improved windowing options.
Android 16 is set to make its way to more devices than any other version of Android. With most brands currently offering at least three Android OS updates to their budget and mid-range phones, Android 16 will be available to most devices released in the last couple of years. Budget phones have been overlooked for so long, and it’s a great thing that they’re starting to get long-term updates.
When it comes to Google’s own devices, all Pixels starting with the Pixel 6 series will be able to upgrade to Android 16. That technically skips the Pixel 5 and all older Pixels, but these devices will continue to get feature updates and security patches. Starting June 10, all Pixel phones can install the Android 16 update.
With Google now guaranteeing seven years of software updates — even in the middle of the Pixel 8a — updates shouldn’t be an issue in the future.
Android 16 Update Guide
In most cases, your Android device will update automatically. You don’t need to do anything, and the latest version will be installed in the background when it’s ready.
If you want to check your current version or see if Android 16 is available on your device, you can do it manually.
Open Settings
Click About phone > Android version
Check your “Android version”
Android 16 New Features
Android 16 comes with several new features:
Usability improvements
Accessibility improvements
Multitasking tools
Security and privacy changes
Android 15 vs Android 16 Comparison
Android 16 expands on its core capabilities and builds on Android 15, bringing new features and updates.
With Android 16 features like custom keyboard shortcuts and desktop windows, the latest version of Android makes using your device easier than ever. Additional security updates help you stay in control of your data, and accessibility improvements put everything you need at your fingertips, making your Android-powered device even more powerful.
