Android 16 is here, but the cool stuff is coming later

Summary

After months of speculation and beta testing, Google is rolling out Android 16 starting today. The new software will arrive first on Pixel phones, but you can expect to see updates on other phones in the coming weeks—or more likely months. For those with Pixel devices, the OTA should begin appearing soon. If you just can't wait, Google will have system images and update files on its developer pages. You probably don't need to get up in arms about potential delays, though. Like other recent Android updates, there aren't many changes bundled into this version. Many of the most interesting changes are coming later this year. Android 16 has landed Despite the light feature set at launch, there are a few things of note. Right at the top of the list is a cleaner notification shade. Google launched bundled notifications in Android 7.0 Nougat, which has helped to clean up phones ever since. With Android 16, Google is stepping up notification bundling by forcing it on apps. Now, multiple notifications from a single app will be merged together into a single expandable item. Neat. Google is also adding live update notifications, which can keep you abreast of progress in select apps. This feature is starting with support for several rideshare and delivery apps, which will be able to indicate status using a small icon in the status bar. Tapping it expands to a pop-up notification with a live progress bar. Google says it's working with Samsung and OnePlus to integrate this capability with the Now Bar and Live Alerts, respectively. This release also brings Advanced Protection to all Android 16 devices, building on the account-level Advanced Protection system that was already available. When enabled, your phone won't connect to older 2G networks, blocks sites that don't have modern security features, and prevents USB devices from accessing the system. For a little more fun, you'll be able to create emojis in Emoji Kitchen using the Pixel Studio app, which uses generative AI to crea...