After months of anticipation, Android 15 has officially transitioned to a stable release, now being rolled out to eligible Pixel devices. Google has unveiled a plethora of new features during the beta testing phase, yet, as is customary, not every feature has made the cut for the stable version. Some features may not be fully ready, while others have been strategically withheld for future updates. A notable example is the predictive back gesture, which was first introduced in the Android 13 beta but is only now being widely implemented with Android 15. With Android 16 on the horizon, expected to debut in preview builds by the end of February 2025, insights into its features are already beginning to surface.
Which devices will get Android 16?
Android 16 is set to reach a broader array of devices than any previous version. Many brands are now committed to providing at least three Android OS updates for their budget and mid-range smartphones, ensuring that most devices launched within the last two years will be eligible for this upgrade. This marks a significant shift, as budget phones have often been overlooked in the past. The Pixel 7 series will certainly receive Android 16, although the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and older models will continue to receive feature updates and security patches. With Google now promising seven years of software updates—even for the mid-range Pixel 8a—future updates appear secure.
What is Android 16’s internal codename?
While Google has moved away from using dessert names for Android versions since Android 10, it continues to assign internal codenames. Following the theme, Android 15 was dubbed Vanilla Ice Cream, and for Android 16, the internal codename is Baklava. This shift indicates a new approach to naming conventions, as Google embraces dessert-inspired names once again but starts afresh.
New features coming to Android 16
Notification cooldown turns down the noise
One of the standout features in Android 16 is the notification cooldown, designed to reduce the volume of incoming notifications when multiple alerts come from the same app. For instance, if you’re engaged in a group chat and receive a barrage of notifications, your device will automatically lower the volume for subsequent alerts. Users can customize this setting for conversations or all apps, making it a welcome addition for those who prefer a quieter notification experience.
An actual desktop mode
While Samsung has long offered DeX mode on its premium devices, most Android devices have lacked a true desktop mode. However, Android 16 is poised to change that. Previous beta builds of Android 15 included a desktop mode featuring app windows, suggesting that Google is actively working towards a native desktop experience in Android 16. Although Samsung’s DeX remains more refined due to years of development, the introduction of a native desktop mode is an exciting prospect.
Limit charging to 80%
This feature, which was available in the Android 15 beta, allows users to limit their device’s battery charge to 80%, significantly extending battery longevity. While some manufacturers have incorporated similar features into their custom interfaces, the prospect of having it natively integrated into Android is a promising development.
Audio sharing should be easier in Android 16
Another anticipated feature is enhanced audio sharing capabilities, which would allow users to cast music to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. This feature, which appeared in earlier Android 15 beta versions, is expected to be refined and included in the upcoming Android 16 release.
Android 16 is coming soon
The wait for Android 16 won’t be long. Google typically launches a developer preview in the first quarter of the year. While these early builds may be buggy and lack substantial new features, they lay the groundwork for further testing. Given that Google has maintained its beta program structure for nearly a decade, we can expect public beta builds around May, with a stable release anticipated in the fourth quarter. As the rollout of preview builds approaches, more details will undoubtedly emerge.
