Android 15 It’s just starting to arrive on Pixel phones, and the rollout is still ongoing at the time of this writing (my own story) google pixel 9 pro I haven’t seen the official release yet. However, even though we’re in the early stages of Android 15, we’ve already heard a surprising amount about next year’s major release, Android 16. In recent weeks, we’ve learned about codenames, potential new features, and even an unexpected release window. Here’s everything you need to know about Android 16 (for now).
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Android 15: My favorite feature isn’t flashy
Minor updates including welcome quality of life adjustments
Android 16 leaks and rumors: What we’ve heard so far
Codenames that break common sense and some new features
Jules Wang/AP
Android 16 won’t be released until next year, and even the public beta program is still several months away. Still, we’re starting to get an idea of what the update will look like, thanks in large part to a report from Android guru Mishaal Rahman.
The following Android versions may violate naming conventions established by Google. Versions of Android have long had codenames inspired by desserts that start with the alphabet, from Android 2.0 Eclair, 2.2 Froyo, and 2.3 Gingerbread to Android 15 Vanilla Ice Cream. Based on that pattern, we expect Android 16’s code name to start with W.
Apparently not. Writing for Android Authority, Rahman reports that Android 16 will be codenamed Baklava. Rahman said the reset is related to changes in Android development. Version 16 aims to establish Android’s trunk-based development model, allowing the operating system to make smaller code changes more frequently instead of large code changes every few months. It will be.
We’ve already seen enough rumors that it’s clear that Android 16 will be a more significant update than this year’s Android 15 when it comes to features that users will immediately experience.
Once again, Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman reported that Android 16 may introduce a completely redesigned Quick Settings panel. The updated panel boasts a new look, and the version Rahman got working by tinkering with the Android 15 QPR beta added a controversial new feature. As tested in September, the redesigned panel now lets you swipe down from the top of the screen to see notifications, but to access quick settings, swipe down with two fingers. You need to swipe to .
It’s past time for a fresh coat of paint, but I doubt the two-finger gesture will be the only way to access quick settings in the final version of Android 16. One is that the UX design is so bad that everything goes wrong. It is impossible to access quick settings with one hand. Also, the quick settings, which is a two-finger swipe down from the top of the display, has been fully extended for years and still works as of Android 15. At this point, quick settings that require a two-finger gesture to access are completely hidden. This design is scheduled for a stable release.
The brightness slider in Android 16’s quick settings panel is clearly similar to Android 15’s adjusted volume setting, with thicker bars and larger touch targets. At the current stage of development, it is also possible to display the display brightness as a percentage during adjustment. This is a great feature, but I think this feature makes more sense as a developer option.
Android 16 may give you the option to place any app inside a floating “bubble.” Android has offered the ability to generate floating shortcuts to specific apps since Android 11, but these so-called bubbles have historically only worked in chat apps. Rahman said Android 16 will extend that functionality to any app on the device, potentially allowing for temporary bubble-style shortcuts to things like browsers and utility apps.
Source: Android Authority
With Android 16, Google’s advanced protection features may be integrated into the Android operating system. Advanced Protection is intended to provide additional protection for users who are at increased risk of phishing, surveillance, and other online attacks. With Android 16, you may have the option to enable Advanced Protection directly from your phone’s settings. It also looks like there will be a new Advanced Protection API that will allow apps to check whether a user is enrolled in the program, act accordingly, and modify functionality to suit their security needs.
Advanced Protection is intended to provide additional protection for users who are at increased risk of phishing, surveillance, and other online attacks.
Do Not Disturb may be enhanced in Android 16 thanks to Priority Mode. Rahman wrote that these modes are user-configurable notification settings that allow you to define the name, icon, and conditions under which the mode is triggered. Each priority mode allows different notifications from different apps and contacts. For example, sleep priority mode allows you to silence all notifications except those from defined contacts, while work priority mode allows you to turn off notifications from social media and games. You can.
When will Android 16 be released?
Google is clearly moving ahead of its 2025 schedule.
Android 16 is reportedly well ahead of schedule
Jules Wang/AP
Android versions have long been released in late Q3 or early Q4 of this year, but Android 16 could be available sooner than that. Mishaal Rahman cited a hidden reference in Android 15’s compatibility definition document and said that Android 16 is targeted for release in the second quarter of 2025, meaning a stable release before July. I am.
As more features are added to AOSP on a regular basis, numbered Android releases are becoming smaller and smaller, so it’s entirely plausible that the next version’s release date will move forward. We’re still in the early stages, but we’ll be following leaks, rumors, and official news about the next big Android release until Android 16 hits phones and beyond. Please check back frequently for the latest developments.
