Google recently announced the release of Android 16, an open mobile platform. The details regarding the new release can be found in the GIT repositories of the project under the branch Android-16.0.0_R1. The firmware assemblies have been prepared for various devices including Pixel 6A/6 Pro, Pixel 7/7a/7 Pro, Pixel 8/8a Pro, Pixel 9/9 Pro/9 Pro/9 XL/9 Pro Fold, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. In the upcoming months, firmware updates with the new version are expected for smartphones from Samsung, Honor, IQool, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Shany, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. Additionally, universal assemblies GSI (Generic System Images) will be available for devices based on ARM64 and x86_64 architectures.
Android 16 is part of a new development schedule where two significant Android releases will occur each year – one in the second quarter and another in the fourth quarter. The summer release will bring major innovations, changes in SDK behavior, and new APIs, while the winter release will focus on improvements, new APIs, and changes that do not impact app functionality.
The key innovations in Android 16 include an updated interface design based on the new concept Material 3 Expressive, dynamic color themes and styles, and enhancements for devices with large screens like tablets, desktop systems, and foldable smartphones. For more information on the new features in Android 16, you can visit here.