Android 16: Release Date, Features, Codenames, and Everything You Need to Know

Google has taken a different approach with Android releases in recent years. With Android 15, the company separated the software rollout from its flagship Pixel 9 launch, giving both software and hardware their own timelines. Now, Android 16 has officially arrived in the stable branch for Pixel devices, while other manufacturers like Samsung have also begun rolling out their versions based on this platform.

This release marks a significant shift in Google’s update strategy, moving the launch timeline forward to Q2, aligning better with device launches, and promising users quicker access to new Android versions.

Android 16 Codename

Though Google stopped publicly using dessert codenames with Android 10, internal codenames remain part of the tradition. Android 16’s codename has been revealed as “Baklava.”

Interestingly, Android 15 was internally called “Vanilla Ice Cream,” so a natural guess would have been a dessert starting with “W.” However, Google shifted back to “B” due to internal development changes and restructuring in Android’s backend.

Quick Summary of Android 16

Android 16 Release Timeline

Google officially announced Android 16’s release roadmap with multiple beta stages before its stable rollout.

• Beta 3 (March 2025) – First Platform Stability milestone

• Beta 4 (April 2025) – Second Platform Stability milestone

• Stable Release – June 10, 2025

This accelerated release schedule marks a departure from the Q3 or Q4 launches of earlier Android versions. Google explained the shift as a way to synchronize better with hardware launches across the ecosystem, allowing phones like the Pixel 10 series to debut with Android 16.

Android 16 Easter Egg

Like every major Android version, Android 16 comes with its own Easter Egg. Continuing from Android 14 and 15, it features a spaceship minigame set in space.

How to access it:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone.

2. Repeatedly tap on the Android Version.

3. The Android 16 logo appears floating in space. Long-press it to launch the game.

New functionality includes:

• Autopilot Mode with a dedicated “AUTO” button.

• A new progress-centric notification, part of the upcoming Live Updates system.

Confirmed Features and Enhancements in Android 16

Live Updates

Android 16 introduces Live Updates, similar to iOS Live Activities, offering real-time progress notifications for navigation, ridesharing, and deliveries. Initially, the stable release includes only progress-centric notifications, while more advanced features (status bar chip, lock screen integration, Always On Display) are expected in future updates.

Notification Management

• Force Group Notifications: All notifications from the same app are automatically grouped.

• Notification Cooldown: Gradually lowers sound volume for bursts of notifications from a single app.

Power Button Shortcut

Users can now set a double-press of the power button to open Google Wallet instead of the camera.

HDR Screenshots

Screenshots of HDR content now retain HDR quality, appearing as SDR on unsupported devices and HDR on supported Android 16 phones.

Emoji Updates

Seven new emojis from Unicode 16.0, including Face with Bags Under Eyes, Fingerprint, Harp, and Splatter, are added.

Embedded Photo Picker

Enhanced APIs let apps customize the photo picker interface, integrate with cloud providers, and allow search functionality.

Health Records

Android 16 integrates Electronic Health Records (EHRs) through Health Connect, supporting sensitive medical data sharing under strict privacy controls.

Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR) Improvements

Better APIs give apps more control over refresh rates for smoother visuals and improved battery efficiency.

App Adaptability

Apps can no longer restrict screen resizing on large devices like tablets and foldables, improving multitasking. By Android 17, this adaptability will be mandatory.

Video and Camera Enhancements

• APV Codec Support: Offers near-lossless professional video quality with reduced storage needs.

• Hybrid Auto-Exposure and Color Tint Controls in Camera2 API for professional-grade adjustments.

• Ultra HDR Enhancements: Now supports HEIC format alongside JPEG.

Security and Privacy Features

• Advanced Protection Mode: A one-click option to activate heightened security measures.

• Secure Lock: Remote lockdown requiring both biometric and credential authentication.

• Anti-Scammer Protections: Prevents sideloading or enabling sensitive permissions during phone calls.

• Automatic Hiding of Sensitive Notifications like OTP codes on the lock screen.

Accessibility and Audio

• Ambient Volume Control for Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids.

• Auracast Broadcast Audio support for streaming directly in public venues.

Developer and System Improvements

• Vertical Text Support for Japanese and other vertical-writing languages.

• Predictive Back Enhancements for both gesture and button navigation.

• Gemini Extensions via App Functions API, allowing assistant-driven in-app actions.

• Measurement System Customization, independent of language settings.

• Cloud Compilation for faster app installs.

Android 16 for Pixel and OEMs

• Pixel Devices: Eligible models receive OTA updates, with sideloading available as well. A new Battery Health Page is also added.

• Samsung: Rolled out One UI 8 based on Android 16 for Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and Flip 7 FE. Other devices are expected to follow soon.

• Other OEMs: Major manufacturers are testing Android 16 in developer betas, with stable releases expected shortly.

FAQs about Android 16

Q1: When was Android 16 released?

A. Android 16 was officially released on June 10, 2025.

Q2: What is Android 16’s codename?

A. Internally, Android 16 is codenamed Baklava.

Q3: Which devices have received Android 16 first?

A. Pixel devices received it first, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE with One UI 8.

Q4: What are the biggest features of Android 16?

A. Key highlights include Live Updates, Advanced Protection Mode, HDR Screenshots, APV Codec support, and better adaptive refresh rate.

Q5: How do I access the Android 16 Easter Egg?

A. Go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version, tap multiple times, then long-press the Android 16 logo to unlock the spaceship minigame.

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