Google has officially released Android 16 stable to eligible Pixel devices, marking the next major evolution of its mobile OS. The update is now rolling out via OTA to the Pixel 6 series and newer, including the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
Eligible devices include:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
While Material 3 Expressive and Desktop Mode are not included in this first stable release, Google has confirmed they’ll arrive later. The Desktop Mode, already present in the QPR2 Beta, introduces a full taskbar, app drawer, and support for resizable windows via DisplayPort external display connection.
Key Android 16 features now available include:
- Adaptive apps: better scaling and behavior across screen sizes, benefiting foldables.
- Grouped notifications: tidier notifications from the same app.
- Live updates: dynamic lockscreen notifications for activities like ride-hailing or food delivery.
- Hearing aid support: battery status, presets, and audio controls with native mic switching.
- Advanced Protection: shields users from malicious apps, phishing, and scam calls.
- New tools: HDR screenshots, custom keyboard shortcuts, adaptive refresh rate control, and ID verification.
Tablet users can also look forward to desktop-style windowing later this year, allowing for multi-window productivity more akin to a desktop experience.
