With Android 15, Google undid the platform update from the Pixel 9 series, a significant change that allowed the software and hardware to evolve on separate schedules. Android 16 With this choice, Google was able to improve both areas independently of one another. Owners of iQOO 12 devices will be the first to experience Android 15 before the official stable release of the operating system approaches. Go here to read more. Prior to Android 15’s official release, the focus is already shifting to Android 16’s future release.
Here’s a peek at what we know and what Google might be working on for this upcoming version. Android 16 is anticipated to ship in 2025 and is expected to provide new features, speed improvements, and user interface tweaks.
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Android 16 Expected and leaked features
Revamped settings
Although there were hints of a revised Settings homepage in Android 15 Beta 3, the changes were not implemented in subsequent betas. According to the Android Authority article, the new settings layout did go live in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, suggesting that an Android 16 release may be imminent.
Desktop windowing
This feature, which made its debut with Android 15, is anticipated to appear in Android 16. Like on conventional PCs, desktop windowing enables users to run many apps at once and resize app windows. The taskbar at the bottom of the screen, which shows both user-pinned and running apps, has been repaired by Google. There’s also a new header bar with window controls added. The feature set has also been expanded beyond the public announcements with the addition of a secret toggle named “Enable desktop mode on secondary display” that takes the place of the previous “Force desktop mode” option.
New screen recording chips
Improvements to the screen recorder and screen caster indicator chips may be introduced in Android 16. There is hope that these modifications will be included in Android 16. They were originally observed and enabled in Android 15 Beta 4.2, then they became more available in QPR 1 Beta 2.
A timer built right into the status bar will be available on the new chips for screencasting and recording. Additionally, they will enable you to end a casting or recording session without bringing down the status bar. A dialog box allowing you to terminate the session will show up when you tap the chip. In addition, whenever an outside app asks to cast or record your screen, a new icon will show up. “Share your screen” is now the primary focus of the dialog instead of just “start recording or casting.”
Compact notifications
If you find the size of heads-up notifications bothersome while watching full-screen content, Google is developing a fix. Compact heads-up notifications were originally hinted at in Android 15 Beta 4, then with Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, the feature was made more generally available.
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Android 16 Expected launch date
Google has not yet formally disclosed when Android 16 will be released. However, based on past release schedules, Q4 2025 is probably when it will make its appearance. In contrast, the initial Developer Preview of Android 15 was released in February 2024, and the stable version is anticipated to debut in October 2024. Beta 1 was released in April of the same year. The source code for Android 15 was released in September of 2024.
However, there are hints that Android 16 might be released earlier. According to AOSP code, an early release in Q2 2025 is possible, possibly in April, May, or June. Though it remains to be seen if Google can fulfill this faster timeframe, this appears to be their aim.
