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The Android 16 is expected to arrive a bit earlier than usual — possibly still in the first half of 2025. While the system is in development, some features have already been anticipated, such as enhancements to multitasking on tablets, improvements to the photo selector, and more.

Here are the main novelties and rumors about Android 16:

• What are the new features of Android 16?
• When will Android 16 be released?
• Which phones will receive Android 16?
• What is the codename of Android 16?

What are the new features of Android 16?

The following are the main novelties announced so far:

Tablet multitasking

The Android 16 will also enhance multitasking on tablets. According to developer Mishaal Rahman, the update will allow for dividing the screen to display three apps side by side.

Photo search

The photo selector will have a new search feature in the photo gallery on phones with the operating system. This will make it easier to find photos taken a long time ago when sharing on an app.

Health Care improvements

The Health Care service now stores medical history in FHIR format, designed to simplify the exchange of electronic health data. This will make it easier to share this information with other health monitoring apps.

Enhanced Wi-Fi security

In Android 15, Google added the “Wi-Fi Ranging” feature, which allows for more precise device location using a Wi-Fi network.

The Wi-Fi Ranging will have improved security in Android 16 due to the addition of AES-256 encryption, one of the most secure currently available. There will also be protection against MITM attacks, safeguarding your phone from data interception.

Notification grouping

In Android 16, there will be a feature powered by artificial intelligence that groups similar notifications.

Notifications from news, promotions, or social media will be part of the same pop-up, similar to what is done by the Gmail app. This means no more individual pop-ups or vibrations for each notification.

When will Android 16 be released?

The release of Android 16 may occur on June 3, 2025. In previous years, new versions were released in the second half of the year.

The early release is a result of Google’s intention to launch Android 16 before the release of some new phone models. This way, the company can release a second update by the end of the year, minimizing possible bugs and taking advantage of new AI features.

According to the official Google developer schedule, beta versions will be released between January and April.

It’s worth noting that Google usually holds the Google I/O event in May, where new products and operating system versions are announced. We can expect Android 16 news at the event.

Which phones will receive Android 16?

There is no definitive list of phone models that will receive Android 16 at launch. It’s common for the updated operating system to be released gradually to smartphones.

Google Pixel phones will be the first to receive the update, as they are a way for the company to demonstrate the updates in a more “clean” way.

The release date varies by manufacturer. Xiaomi, for example, announced that its HyperOS 3.0 software will be developed for Android 16. Therefore, Xiaomi phones that receive the software update can expect the new Android version.

What is the codename of Android 16?

Google’s tradition of naming the operating system after desserts dates back to Android 1.5, codenamed Cupcake.

For Android 16, it is expected that Google will adopt the codename Baklava, a Turkish pastry with phyllo dough and nuts or pistachio.

The dessert is one of the most famous in Turkish cuisine. It is made with ground pistachio, walnut, or hazelnut, placed between thin sheets of dough, and topped with syrup or honey.

Read more:

• Which phones and tablets should update to Android 15?
• When will the One UI 7 arrive in Brazil? Understand Samsung’s Android 15 release
• Motorola will release Android 15 for some phones in 2024; see the list

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