Everything you need to know about Android 16, the most prominent features and updates
Google recently made a big change with Android 15. During the Pixel 9 series platform update season, we allow software and hardware to evolve according to our own independent timelines.
This decision gave Google the flexibility to improve both aspects without affecting one of the others, and while the official stable version of Android 15 is approaching, the owners of iQOO 12 will be the first to test Android 15 even before Android 15 can be fully introduced, and interest will shift towards the future with Android 16.
Android 16 is expected to be released in 2025, and it is likely to bring new features, performance improvements, and user interface enhancements.
Expected features of the Android 16 system:
1- Updated settings
Android 15 Beta 3 hints at a revised settings homepage, but the changes weren't rolled out in subsequent betas, and the new settings layout was released in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, suggesting it's likely to be released in Android 16, according to the report. Android Authority.
2- new screen recording tools
Android 16 has been praised for its screen recording tools and screen recording indicator, and these changes and activations were first noticed in Android 15 Beta 4.2 and became easier in QPR 1 Beta 2, raising hopes for the guarantees in Android 16.
The new features for screen recording and temporary screen recording will allow you to stop the recording or broadcast session without removing the status bar, while clicking on the slide, the dialog box will allow you to end the session, in addition, the new password will be displayed when it is requested to apply. The third-party function of recording your screen or broadcasts, and the dialog box now emphasizes "Share your screen" instead of simply "Start recording or broadcasting".
3- Desktop windows
This feature first appeared with Android 15, and is expected to be seen in Android 16 as well, allowing desktop windows to allow users to run multiple apps at once and resize app windows, similar to how they do on traditional desktop devices.
And Google has fixed the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, where it now displays all running applications and installed applications before the user, as well as introducing a new header bar that contains window controls, in addition, replacing the old "set desktop mode" option. A hidden switch called "Enable desktop mode on secondary screen", which led to the expansion of the feature set to what we have after the official announcements.
4- Compact notifications
If you find the size of the notifications annoying while viewing full-screen content, Google is working on a fix. Hints of compact notifications were first spotted in Android 15 Beta 4, and the feature became more widely available with Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2.
In these compact notifications, most of the text is shortened, and any embedded images are hidden by default until you tap the drop-down arrow to expand them. However, key elements such as the notification icon, title, and reply button remain visible for messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Expected Android 16 release date
Google has not officially announced the Android 16 release schedule yet. However, based on previous release patterns, it is likely to launch in Q4 2025. However, there are indications that Android 16 may launch sooner.
The AOSP code suggests we could see a release as early as Q2 2025, possibly in April, May, or June, and while that may be Google's plan, only time will tell if it can meet that accelerated timeline.