Google has officially rolled out Android 16
Android 16 is here, but with many key features missing at launch.
After all the buzz from Google I/O 2025, Android is now rolling out to Pixel devices. The update brings some meaningful upgrades, like grouped notifications, enhanced privacy features, and the new Desktop Mode, but it’s missing what was arguably the update’s most anticipated feature, the full Material 3 Expressive redesign.
That’s not entirely unexpected; Android releases often stagger their feature rollouts over time. So while Android 16 introduces foundational improvements, it still feels more like a platform in progress than the full revamp some users were anticipating.
Louis Eriakha
Here are some of the updates that launched with Android 16:
1) Aesthetic tweaks, but only on Google’s terms
Video credit: Google
Material 3 Expressive aims to give Android a refreshed look and feel, with improved animations, colour theming, and haptic feedback. But unless you’re deep into Google’s own apps, you might not notice much. The visual overhaul isn’t system-wide, at least not yet, and third-party apps may take months to catch up. For now, it’s more promise than presence.
2) Live Updates and grouped notifications
Video credit: Google
Android 16 introduces a Live Updates feature to track things like deliveries or maps in real time. It’s a nice touch, especially for multitaskers. Grouped notifications also aim to reduce screen clutter. Both are sensible additions, but neither feels particularly groundbreaking, and both are already standard elsewhere.
3) Advanced Protection
Video credit: Google
One area where Android 16 steps up is security. The new Advanced Protection mode offers strong defences against phishing, unsafe apps, and data theft. Features include encrypted threat logs, automatic phone locking if a device goes missing, and stricter app install controls. It even disables risky network connections like 2G and shady public Wi-Fi.
4) Tablet multitasking gets a needed boost
Video credit: Google
In a move clearly inspired by iPadOS and Samsung DeX, Android 16 brings improved multitasking for tablets. Users can freely resize and move windows, use custom keyboard shortcuts, and extend their workflow across dual displays. It’s a solid improvement if you own a compatible tablet and the right accessories. Still, this feels more like catch-up than innovation.
5) Camera controls for power users, not casual ones
Android 16 also refines its camera software, offering better night scene detection, manual ISO and exposure settings, and advanced white balance controls. These changes cater to photographers and creators, but everyday users might not notice or use them. The benefits are real, but only for those who know what to do with them.
Final thoughts
Android 16 sets the groundwork for a more refined and secure Android experience, even if it doesn’t feel like a dramatic shift right away. With meaningful upgrades in device protection, multitasking, and camera control, the update focuses on long-term usability rather than flashy changes.
While some of the most anticipated features, like the full Material 3 Expressive redesign, aren’t here yet, Google appears to be rolling out its vision gradually. Instead of a headline-grabbing overhaul, Android 16 moves things forward incrementally, laying groundwork rather than delivering a complete transformation.
Louis Eriakha
