Android 16 Now Available for Pixel Phones: Check Out New Features and How to Install?

Google has started rolling out the stable Android 16 update to Pixel smartphones, marking the earliest major Android release in recent years.

Android 16 introduces the new Material 3 Expressive design, offering a more intuitive, accessible, and visually refined user experience. Here's a quick look at the key features and the list of eligible Pixel devices.

Android 16 Features

Live Notifications: Stay updated in real-time with live notifications for compatible ride-share and food delivery apps. This feature is expanding across the Android ecosystem, including Samsung's Now Bar and OnePlus' Live Alerts.

Improved Hearing Aid Support: Users with LE Audio hearing aids can now opt to use their phone's microphone for clearer call quality in noisy environments. Android 16 also introduces native hearing aid controls for easier and more consistent device management.

Advanced Protection: With just a tap, Android 16 activates Google's most powerful mobile security suite, guarding against malicious apps, scam calls, and unsafe websites.

Productivity Boost for Tablets: Android 16 brings desktop windowing, developed in collaboration with Samsung. Users can open, move, and resize multiple app windows for a PC-like experience. Taskbar overflow and custom keyboard shortcuts are also on the way.

Future Enhancements: Upcoming updates will support external display connections and bring more Material 3 Expressive design elements to Android 16 and Wear OS 6.

Moreover, Google has also confirmed that custom keyboard shortcuts are coming later this year, allowing users to create their own hotkey combinations for faster, more personalized navigation. In addition, it will bring taskbar overflow for a clear, visual way to access hidden apps when the taskbar is full.

Future updates will unlock even more productivity features, including the ability to connect tablets and phones to an external display for a fully expanded desktop experience. Developers can begin testing these upcoming capabilities starting today. Additionally, more Material 3 Expressive design updates will be available later this year for both Android 16 and Wear OS 6 on Pixel devices.

Android 16 Eligible Pixel Devices

Android 16 is now rolling out to Pixel devices, with more smartphone brands confirmed to receive the update later this year. Here's the list of eligible Pixel models:

• Pixel 6 Series: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7 Series: Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8 Series: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9 Series: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Other Devices: Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

How to Install Android 16 on Pixel Phone?

For Google Pixel users, downloading Android 16 is simple. Check for an over-the-air (OTA) update by navigating to Settings > System > Software update and tapping on Check for update. If available, the update will appear as a download of around 2GB. Be patient if it doesn't show immediately, as it's being rolled out gradually.

Via