Android 16 Arrives Soon: 10 Game-Changing Features You Should Know

Android 16 Preview: 10 Features That Will Transform Your Smartphone Experience

Google is preparing to unveil Android 16, and users won’t have to wait for the official Google I/O 2025 event to get a glimpse. A special edition of The Android Show, airing on May 13, will give developers and fans an early look at the upcoming operating system.

This time, Google is ahead of schedule—Android 16 has already passed major beta milestones and is expected to launch as early as July.

🍰 Android 16’s Sweet Name? It’s ‘Baklava’

Staying true to its dessert-themed tradition, Google has internally named Android 16 “Baklava”, inspired by the rich, flaky pastry. The name pays tribute to global influences, as Indian users may have tasted it during travels to Turkey.

🔟 Top Features Coming with Android 16:

1. Live App Updates in Notifications

Just like Apple’s Live Activities, Android 16 brings real-time app updates directly into the notification bar—track food deliveries, navigation, or timers without opening an app.

2. Health Connect 2.0 Upgrade

Android 16 adds support for FHIR-based medical record sharing and activity intensity tracking. With stronger privacy controls, users must explicitly allow health data access.

3. Enhanced Photo Picker

Users can now choose specific images or videos to share with apps without exposing their entire media library—offering more privacy and better app integration.

4. Improved App Continuity on Foldables

Apps will now resize and rotate more smoothly across screens and devices, including tablets and foldables, with seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes.

5. Advanced Camera Controls

Expect manual controls for colour temperature, improved auto exposure, low-light performance, and extended UltraHDR support for HEIC image formats.

6. Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR)

Displays will automatically adjust refresh rates for optimal performance and battery life depending on the content on screen.

7. Redesigned Quick Settings Panel

The new dual-pane layout separates notifications and settings. It includes resizable tiles, a dynamic lock screen-style clock, and easier brightness control.

8. AI Tool Blocking in Sensitive Fields

Apps will now have the ability to block AI keyboards and writing suggestions in fields like passwords and PINs, enhancing privacy and user safety.

9. Bluetooth LE Audio for Hearing Aids

Two big updates: ambient sound tuning and mic switching between hearing aids and phones—boosting accessibility in noisy environments.

10. Expanded Identity Verification Support

The built-in digital identity check feature, previously limited to Pixel and Samsung devices, will now roll out to more Android phones.

🔭 What Else Is Coming at Google I/O 2025?

Beyond Android 16, Google is expected to reveal more Gemini AI integrations, advancements in Android XR (Extended Reality), and web-based service enhancements during its main I/O keynote.

Stay tuned for May 13 when The Android Show lifts the curtain on all that’s coming next for Android users.