- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 01 May 2025 12:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Google is gearing up to drop the next major Android update soon, which is the Android 16 update. This time it seems, though, that the wait will not be too long for Android fans. Google has announced that a special episode of The Android Show will provide developers with a fresh look at the upcoming OS; the show will take place on May 13.
While official details about a confirmed launch are still not out there, here we will tell you about what we know so far about the update's features and release timeline.
Android 16 Expected Features
Android 16 might be coming with a myriad of new upgrades, such as the live app upgrade, which is a take on Apple's live updates feature that shows real-time updates from apps like Uber, sports updates and navigation, etc. The update may also support sharing medical data in FHIR format, all while preserving user privacy and introducing new metrics for tracking activity intensity. On the media side, the photo picker has been enhanced to let users share specific images or videos without granting full access to their entire gallery.
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Other key improvements include smarter adaptive refresh rate controls that adjust dynamically based on what's on screen. The Quick Settings panel is also getting a major redesign, making it more organised and customisable. In terms of privacy, apps will now have the option to block AI writing tools. Additionally, Thea’s accessibility features are set to improve as well.
Other devices like foldables and tablets will also be able to take advantage of the enhanced app adaptability and continuity. The camera controls could also see a revamp and more organised controls; it might also feature manual colour temperature adjustments, improved night mode detection and more.
Google is said to announce Gemini AI integration, smarter web services and developments in Android XR (Extended Reality) at its I/O 2025.
Expected Release Timeline
We saw a delayed rollout of Android 15 last year, but this time it seems that the train is on track, and we can assume that Android 16 will be on time. The update has surpassed key beta testing milestones, and we might get to see it by July 2025. Google is sticking to its tradition of dessert-themed names for the Android Baklava, a popular Middle Eastern layered pastry.