Google unveiled Android 16 at its I/O Extended conference. The update rolls out to Pixel devices in September 2026, with other manufacturers following by year's end.
The Most Important Changes
- Material You 3.0: adaptive themes based on time of day and weather
- Embedded Gemini Nano: notification summaries, contextual suggestions
- Redesigned Privacy Dashboard: real-time visualization of data access
- Android HealthKit: replaces Health Connect with better wearable APIs
- Improved multitasking on large screens (tablets and foldables)
The removal of the app drawer remains optional for manufacturers. Samsung, for example, will maintain its own One UI 8 overlay in parallel.