Android 16: Smarter, Personalised, Streamlined

Android 16 introduces AI-powered notification summaries that condense lengthy messages and group chats, providing context at a glance. A new notification organiser automatically groups and silences lower-priority notifications. Users can now customise icon shapes and apply themed icons across apps for a consistent look. An expanded dark theme darkens most apps, even those without native support, potentially improving battery life.

Parental controls are now integrated directly into device settings, protected by a PIN, allowing parents to set screen time limits, create downtime schedules and restrict app usage. These controls also link to Family Link for more advanced management. The update marks a shift from annual releases to more frequent updates, delivering features faster to Pixel devices.

Android 16 enhances multitasking with desktop windowing, custom keyboard shortcuts and a taskbar overflow feature. Accessibility improvements include expressive captions that highlight emotions in videos and Fast Pair for hearing aids. The OS also adds support for UltraHDR images, fine colour temperature adjustments for pro video recording and improved handling of Bluetooth bond loss events.