Android 16 is out now, but its big new features aren’t coming until later this year

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 12 June 2025

Android 16 is now available as a free update for Pixel 6 owners and up. While Android 16 is available uncharacteristically early - major Android system updates tend to launch much later in the year - two of its biggest features are missing in action.

The first absence is Android's new design language: Material 3 Expressive. Google's new Android look is a more vibrant, bouncy take on its operating system, with more customisation options. This is expected to launch sometime in September.

The other missing feature is an Android desktop mode for when phones or tablets are connected to an external monitor. This was built in collaboration with Samsung, which has long had a similar feature on its flagship handsets, like the Galaxy S25.

Both of these features are available in Android 16 betas, but not in the current release.

Android 16's launch feature set is a little less splashy. It adds better notification management, and live activities similar to what we've seen on iPhone for the last few years. These let you track things like an Uber or a food delivery right from your lock screen. There are also enhancements for those using hearing aids, improved security, and battery optimisations.

While Android 16 is already available for Pixel owners, it may take a while for it to be rolled out for phones from other manufacturers, as they tend to add their own customisations. Samsung only just launched its take on Android 15 at the start of the year, for example. Conversely, OPPO has been beta testing Android 16 on the Find X8 Pro since earlier this year.

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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