Google has officially launched Android 16 along with June’s Pixel Drop of special features a time after Apple unveiled apps 26 at WWDC 25. The move comes a time after Google unveiled apps 26, one of its most ambitious year produces to date.

Android 16 debuts months earlier than previous big releases, with an emphasis on productivity enhancements and features, and is released on the first to Pixel phones with the most popular support. These include life updates for tracing deliveries and ride-sharing vehicles, simplified notifications, the ability to employ desktop-style windows when connected to a monitor, fresh device security features, native hearing aid controls, and more.

Instead of the classic August to September windows, Google releases the OS in June, which gives phone manufacturers more room to put Android 16 on new devices set to debut in the slide. This also gives smartphone makers more room to roll when putting the OS together.

The update for Pixel owners starts out at 11 a.m. PT, with later this year’s release of support for third-party phones. Developers can begin optimizing apps for larger workspaces with a new QPR beta that enables the external-monitor preview. What are the essentials for you.

On the Pixel, Android 16 is first released.

Google is currently promoting a stable version of Android 16 to the most popular Pixel phones. The update adds a new Material 3 Expressive coat of paint to the OS and introduces a number of new features.

streamlined notifications and live update

Android 16 now offers live updates that are pinned to your lock screen, so you don’t have to keep opening apps to stay informed. This is useful if you’re waiting for your sushi to arrive or watching your rideshare slowly travel across town. Additionally, notifications from the same app are now automatically groupgrouped, reducing the clutter on your lock screen from notification-heavy apps like Gmail and Ring.

One-tap Advanced Protection is available to everyone.

While the phone is locked, a single toggle now combines Google’s most effective defenses, blocking scams, fraudulent websites, and even USB attacks. Advanced Protection&nbsp, which was originally developed for high-risk users like politicians and journalists, is free and accessible for everyone on Android 16.

Clearer calls for those using hearing aids

Android 16 lets you flip a switch that routes your voice through the phone’s superior microphones rather than the tiny microphones in your hearing aids, which is great for use when you’re in a busy coffee shop or windy beach. A new on-device panel allows you to change the volume and presets for hearing aids in one place.

Improved productivity for tablet owners

Later this year, tablet owners running Android 16 will receive a  desktop windowing  mode, developed in partnership with Samsung. Like you would on a desktop, you can float, snap, or resize multiple app windows on your device with Android 16 and it provides the foundation for that.

How to download Android 16

Grab your Pixel and go to&nbsp, Settings&nbsp, &gt, &nbsp, System&gt, &nbsp, Software update&gt, Check for update. The download should be roughly 2GB in size. Wait until the update is made available to users right away if you haven’t yet seen it.

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi before downloading, plug your phone in if the battery is low, and backup everything important before installing. A quick reboot should finish the upgrade once the file is finished. The procedure will be the same as for owners of Samsung, OnePlus, and other Android devices: Go to the software-update screen and follow the on-screen prompts. However, customers will have to wait for their manufacturers ‘ rollout notices later this year.

If you’re using the beta version of Android 16, you can use your Pixel as a plug-and-play desktop.

Owners of Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 smartphones can now use Google’s most recent Android 16 beta ( QPR1 Beta 2 ) to create mini desktops. A full task-bar-and-window interface will appear once your phone is connected to any external monitor using a USB-C cable. You can use keyboard shortcuts, pin favorites, and juggle multiple apps side by side.

To download the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 over the air, you can enroll your Pixel 8 or 9 at&nbsp, google .com/android/beta, then go to Settings &gt, System &gt, Software update, and click on it.

New features for Android 16 were also released today.

Google is currently releasing a half-dozen features across the wider Android ecosystem, in addition to Android 16.

Customized group chats. You can choose an icon, a name, see who is on RCS, and set a timed mute.
• smarter editor for Google Photos. Use one-tap AI fixes, text-prompt” Reimagine” edits, and auto-crop.
• Google Home shortcuts for each room. You can pin a thermostat to your watch, lights to your phone, and a camera to your TV.
• Timers for Safety Check extension. Add more minutes from the phone or Wear OS without resetting the countdown.
• Fresh mash-ups from Emoji Kitchen. You can make new combinations like pointing pigs and thankful carrots for more expressive stickers.
• Wear OS has faster transit taps. Swipe your watch and pay, even with Google Wallet closed.

No upgrade is required, all six are delivered via Play Services and app updates.