Android 16 Now Available for Pixel Phones: Features and Update Guide

Google rolled out Android 16 to Pixel smartphones, making it the earliest large-scale Android version release in recent years. This software update emphasizes user safety, accessibility, and productivity enhancements, steering clear of visual redesigns for now.

Android 16 introduces real-time notification tracking, a feature similar to Apple's Live Activities. Known as Live Updates, it allows users to monitor services like ride-hailing and food delivery from their lock screen, status bar, or notification shade. The feature supports select apps and integrates with Samsung’s Now Bar and OPPO and OnePlus' Live Alerts tools.

A new security-focused feature, Advanced Protection mode, is designed for individuals such as journalists and activists. This setting adds device-level security with tools to defend against harmful apps, phishing websites, scam calls, and memory exploits. USB data protection and fraud detection are built in to boost device safety with a single tap.

In Google Messages, Android 16 adds on-device AI detection for potential scam messages. The system scans messages locally to identify threats and alert users with warnings and options to block or report senders. The feature also restricts specific permissions during active calls to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks.

Large-screen Android devices and tablets now support desktop-style windowing. This allows apps to be resized, moved, and layered freely, improving multitasking. The update works alongside existing split-screen features. Additional enhancements, including custom keyboard shortcuts and overflow taskbars, are expected soon.

Android 16 equips high-end camera apps with expanded manual controls. These include hybrid auto exposure, adjustable ISO and exposure levels, color temperature precision, enhanced night mode, and Ultra HDR in HEIC format. Video capabilities are improved with the Advanced Professional Video codec, enabling better-quality footage and post-processing.

Google has included system-level support for Bluetooth LE hearing aids, allowing direct volume and mic source adjustments through Android settings. The update also adds tools that improve text visibility by overlaying high-contrast backgrounds behind difficult-to-read content.

Future Android 16 builds will deliver the long-awaited Material 3 Expressive UI changes, new desktop extensions for external monitors, and additional productivity tools aimed at enterprise and power users.