Android 16: new features, compatible smartphones, release date...

The new Android 16 version will be available soon, but not for all smartphones. We take a look at compatible devices, new features, and the Android 16 release date.

Every year, Google unveils the latest version of its Android operating system. It's the perfect opportunity for the manufacturer to offer multiple new features and to move older devices away from the old ones in favor of new ones. This year, it's Android 16's turn to make its way to our phones with a whole host of new features that allow you to have more control over your device and visual improvements.

Android 16 isn't short on new features, and Google has already shared all the upcoming features for your smartphone (if it's compatible). These are primarily focused on software improvements, but also on making your device more comfortable to use. Here are a few:

Material 3 Expressive: a new look for your smartphone

Unveiled a few weeks ago, Material 3 Expressive is the name given to Google's new visual identity for Android smartphones. While it primarily concerns Google Pixel phones, it will serve as the basis for the visual ideas present in Android 16. Material 3 Expressive is primarily focused on comfort and is designed as a new way to view your menus and applications. Be sure to check out our article on the subject to learn more.

Material 3 Expressive, however, isn't expected to arrive on your Android device for several months. The project is still under development, and we'll have to wait until Google makes a final decision on the matter before we can enjoy it on our smartphones.

Smarter, less intrusive notifications

Android 16 will also allow users who receive multiple notifications to limit their notifications. When enabled, your smartphone will de-emphasize certain notifications when multiple alerts are received in a row. The goal isn't so much to make you miss the most important notifications, but rather to clear your lock screen so you can focus on the notifications that really matter.

Additionally, notifications will now be smarter and will be able to offer AI-powered summaries, similar to what's already available on iPhone. This feature, however, would only be available for messages.

The return of widgets on the lock screen

Another improvement for your lock screen: users running Android 16 will finally be able to add widgets directly integrated into your smartphone without needing to unlock it. Be careful not to confuse these with the small shortcuts (usually two in number) that you can already configure on your lock screen. These are app widgets like those you can have on your phone once unlocked.

Real-time activities: Track your Uber ride without unlocking your smartphone

Recent iPhone owners will quickly understand what we're talking about here. Android 16 will allow you to display real-time activities on the lock screen. For example, if you order a meal on Uber Eats, you won't need to unlock your phone, open the app, and navigate to your order tracker to find out where your delivery person is. All of this will appear on your lock screen with a real-time tracking bar!

Owners or users of foldable smartphones know how some apps are not at all optimized for a large screen. Take Instagram, for example. When launching the app on some foldable smartphones, it doesn't stretch to the entire screen at all, but remains in its basic format while adding huge black bars on the sides.

Android 16 will now allow apps not optimized for large screens to automatically adapt. Developers of these apps will no longer need to manually adjust their source code to fit your screen resolution.

Better night photos with your apps

Among the new features planned for Android 16 is an improvement in night photography or photography when ambient light is too low. Your Android 16 smartphone will automatically detect when it's dark and adjust your camera's features accordingly. This option already exists for the camera app that comes standard with your smartphone, but will be extended to other third-party apps that can use your camera, such as Instagram or Snapchat, for example.

Which smartphones are compatible with Android 16?

Android 16 won't be available on all smartphones! Google already has a habit of serving its own Google Pixel phones first, and here are the models that will benefit from Android 16 in the coming weeks:

• Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
• Pixel Fold (not sold in France)
• Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold

As for other manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, etc.), we'll have to wait for the official release of each of their devices. The most recent smartphones (i.e., those less than 3-4 years old) should be able to take advantage of Android 16 when the update is available.

Android 16 is expected to be officially released by June at the latest. However, it's possible that the Google I/O conference will allow the manufacturer to officially announce the availability of this new version. However, the Android 16 beta has been available for a few months now if you have a Google Pixel phone. So, only a few more weeks to wait!