Android 16 (Baklava)

Google has just released (2025) the stable version of Android 16, the latest update to its hugely popular mobile operating system. This significant update introduces a variety of useful new features designed to enhance the day-to-day performance, security and enjoyment of your phone and tablet.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. ‘Live’ updates in notifications: Say goodbye to constantly opening apps! Notifications can now display real-time information directly in your notifications panel or on your lock screen. Imagine being able to see your food delivery status or taxi location update instantly without having to open the app itself.
2. Cleaner, smarter notifications: To help you manage information overload, Android 16 is improving its ability to group notifications from the same app together. This reduces clutter in your notification list and helps you focus on what’s important.
3. Better Experience on Big Screens: If you use a tablet, foldable phone, or split-screen mode, apps will automatically adapt much better to different sizes and orientations. Future updates later this year will add even more powerful ways to multitask with multiple windows, making the experience closer to using a desktop computer, and even support connecting your device to an external monitor.
4. Enhanced Privacy and Security: Android 16 boosts protection against various threats, including hacking attempts and malicious apps. It includes a special “Advanced Protection” mode for those who need extra security layers. It’s also easier to control which apps can access your photos and location data.
5. Improved Accessibility: The operating system is now more user-friendly for people with hearing or vision impairments. Enhanced support has been added for modern LE Audio hearing aids, including the ability to switch between device microphones during calls and to stream audio to multiple devices simultaneously via Auracast technology. To improve text readability, a new ‘outline text’ mode creates a high-contrast outline around letters to make them easier to see.
6. New Photo Editor: The standard “Photos” app includes an updated built-in editor with new filters and tools to easily improve your pictures. There are also improvements for handling high-quality (HDR) photos and videos.

When can you get it?

Android 16 is now available for Google Pixel phones (Pixel 6 and later models). Devices from other manufacturers will gradually receive the update over the coming months.

Overall, Android 16 represents a significant step forward, making the system smarter, more convenient and more secure, and enabling it to adapt better than ever to modern devices and user needs.