Google is gearing up for the next major Android release—Android 16 (codenamed Baklava). While Android 15 is still rolling out to users, Android 16 is already in its third beta phase, bringing a mix of confirmed features, under-the-hood improvements, and exciting rumors.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know so far about Android 16, including:
✔️ Confirmed Features
✔️ Small but Useful Upgrades
✔️ Under-the-Hood Improvements
✔️ Rumored & Upcoming Changes
Let’s dive in!
🔒 Enhanced Security & Anti-Scam Features
1. Blocking Sideloading & Sketchy Permissions Mid-Call
Scammers often trick users into enabling sideloading or accessibility permissions during calls. Android 16 blocks these actions while you’re on a call, preventing fraudsters from forcing app installations.
✅ How it works:
- If a caller tries to make you enable sideloading, your phone won’t allow it.
- Accessibility permissions are also locked during calls.
2. Notification Cool Down
Ever been bombarded with back-to-back notifications from a single app? Android 16 introduces Notification Cool Down, which:
- Reduces alert volume if too many notifications arrive in a short time.
- Shrinks notifications to avoid clutter.
- Exempts calls, alarms, and priority conversations.
📱 Improved User Experience & Customization
3. New Contact Storage Options
Previously, contacts automatically synced to your Google account. Now, Android 16 adds a “Contact Storage” page, letting you:
- Choose where contacts are saved (Google account or device-only).
- Switch sync accounts easily.
4. Redesigned Settings App
The Settings app gets a fresh look:
- Bigger search bar
- Better-organized menus (Accessibility moved to the bottom, “About Phone” now in the middle).
5. Battery Health Monitoring (Pixel-Exclusive for Now)
Finally, Pixel users can check their battery health percentage (e.g., “97% after a year”). Other OEMs like Samsung already had this, but now it’s built into Android itself.
6. Health Connect Supports Medical Records (FHIR Standard)
Health apps can now read/write medical records via Health Connect, using the FHIR standard (common in hospitals). No more scattered health data!
7. 7-Day Privacy Dashboard History
Instead of just 24-hour app permission tracking, Android 16 adds a full 7-day history, helping you monitor which apps access your data most.
8. Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock
No need to wake your phone first—just tap the fingerprint sensor while the screen is off to unlock. (Some OEMs already had this, but now it’s native to Android.)
🎨 Small but Thoughtful Upgrades
9. New Android Easter Egg (Still a Rocket Game, but with Auto Mode)
The classic Android rocket game returns with:
- A fresh logo
- Auto-pilot mode (lets the rocket fly itself)
- Notification tracking (shows distance from the nearest planet).
10. System-Wide Measurement Unit Toggle
Switch between metric & imperial units system-wide, regardless of your location.
11. Sleek New Boot Animation
Rebooting now shows Material You shapes animating—a small but polished touch.
12. Physical Keyboard Shortcuts
Android 16 adds customizable keyboard shortcuts for:
- Taking screenshots
- Split-screen mode
- Launching apps
- Repeat Key Toggle (disable key repeat if you hold a key too long).
13. Outline Text for Better Readability
A new accessibility feature adds high-contrast backgrounds behind text (black or white) for visually impaired users.
14. Remap Double-Press Power Button
Instead of always launching the camera, you can set it to open Google Wallet.
15. Redesigned Wi-Fi QR Code Sharing
The QR code now has Material You styling instead of plain black-and-white.
16. Bluetooth Battery Rings
Bluetooth device battery icons now show rings around them for better visibility.
🚀 Under-the-Hood Improvements
17. Better Large-Screen Adaptability (Foldables & Tablets)
Android 16 forces apps to adapt better to foldables and tablets, reducing ugly black bars on unoptimized apps.
18. Support for Samsung’s APB Codec (Advanced Professional Video)
Android 16 adds native support for Samsung’s APB codec, improving video compression & quality (near-RAW level).
19. True HDR Screenshots
Finally, HDR screenshots will preserve brightness & color range instead of looking washed out.
20. Vertical Text Support (For East Asian Languages)
Apps can now display text vertically, useful for languages like Chinese & Japanese.
21. Why “Baklava” Instead of a “W” Dessert?
Google switched to a new development model (Trunk Stable Project), speeding up updates. This reset the alphabetical dessert naming, hence “Baklava.”
🔮 Rumored & Upcoming Features (Based on Leaks)
22. Redesigned Notification Shade & Quick Settings
- Swipe left for notifications, right for Quick Settings (panels won’t cover the whole screen).
- Resizable Quick Tiles (1×1, 2×2 layouts).
- Categorized tiles (like in Settings).
23. Live Updates (Like iOS Live Activities)
A status bar pill shows ongoing tasks (timers, Uber rides, food delivery). Tap to expand with custom progress bars (e.g., traffic delays in Maps).
24. Desktop-Style Window Management (For Tablets)
- Overlapping, resizable app windows (like a PC).
- Taskbar shows running apps (minimize instead of just closing).
25. Improved Split-Screen & 3-App Multitasking
- Resize apps dynamically (tap to swap sizes).
- Three-app split-screen (two main apps + one on the side).
26. Bluetooth Audio Sharing (Finally!)
Share audio with friends’ headphones (if they support LE Audio).
27. Lock Screen Widgets (Limited to Screen Saver Mode)
Widgets appear only when docked/charging (similar to Pixel Tablet).
28. Linux Virtual Machine Support (Terminal App)
Run full Linux apps on Android (yes, someone already got Doom working).
29. Multi-Screen Positioning (For External Displays)
Arrange phone & monitor displays like Windows (cursor moves seamlessly between screens).
30. More Lock Screen & Home Screen Customization
- New clock styles & fonts (adjust weight, slant, rounding).
- Custom icon shapes (hexagon, star, ghost).
- Minimized notifications (icons only, like Samsung).
31. “Make More Apps Dark” (Forced Dark Mode)
Force dark mode on unsupported apps (previously seen in Android 14 betas).
32. Auto-Silence Old Notifications
Notifications older than 2 weeks won’t make sound/vibrate.
33. Time Zone Change Alerts
Get notified when your phone auto-updates time zones (great for travelers).
34. “Even Dimmer” Mode
An improved Extra Dim that auto-disables in bright light.
📌 Final Thoughts
Android 16 (Baklava) isn’t just about flashy new features—it’s refining security, customization, and usability. While some upgrades are Pixel-first, many will roll out to all Android devices.
Want to Try Android 16 Beta?
Pixel users can join the Android Beta Program here.
❓ FAQ
Q: When will Android 16 officially release?
A: Likely late 2024, after final beta testing.
Q: Will non-Pixel phones get these features?
A: Yes, but OEMs like Samsung may delay or modify them.
Q: Is sideloading completely blocked in Android 16?
A: No, it’s only blocked during calls to prevent scams.
What’s your favorite Android 16 feature? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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