Android 16 Launched For Pixel Devices - Here's What's New And How To Get It

Google released Android 16 to Pixel devices today, upending its usual fall calendar with a surprise summer drop. Pixel 6 and newer units can grab the build right now through Settings -> System -> Software update. Early testers report a download size of about 2.1 GB.

The headline feature is Live Updates. Ride-share pickups, food-delivery ETAs, and other real-time alerts now pin themselves to a dynamic banner that stays on top of everything else until the task finishes. Google says Maps directions and sports scores will join the party in a later patch.

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Advanced Protection Mode steps up security for journalists, activists, and anyone at higher risk. Once switched on, it clamps down sideloading, blocks USB debugging, and enforces hardware-backed key storage. Google Messages gains AI-driven scam warnings that flag sketchy payment requests before a user taps send.

Audio and accessibility see big gains. Android 16 adds Auracast public streaming, richer controls for Bluetooth LE hearing aids, and sharper high-contrast text boxes. Health Connect can now read Electronic Health Records, letting fitness apps surface prescription reminders alongside workout stats.

Google didn’t forget power users. A preview desktop interface lets phones drive an external monitor with resizable windows and custom keyboard shortcuts. The camera stack unlocks pro-grade exposure controls plus Ultra HDR stills, while new APIs expose CPU and GPU headroom so games can scale effects on the fly. Developers also get fresh JobScheduler hooks, on-device AGSL color filters, and a back-to-home animation callback.

Rolling out months ahead of the old September window, Android 16 sets a faster pace for future releases. Google hints at a minor 16.1 update later this year and plans to ship the same feature list on Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other partner phones “in the coming months.” For Pixel owners, the future just showed up early.

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