Android 16 can start rolling out for Pixel devices on this date

Android 16 is Google’s next operating system (OS) that is expected to arrive as a successor to Android 15, which debuted in September. While Google has confirmed a timeline for the update’s release, an exact date has yet to be revealed. However, a recent report suggests that Android 16 could be released for devices much earlier than previous updates, pinpointing summer of next year as the most likely time frame for its launch.

Android 16 release date

According to an Android Headlines reportAndroid 16 will be moved to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. It will also reportedly be made available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Google Pixel devices, which are typically the first in the market to receive the latest same-day Android updates.

Notably, AOSP is a source code repository that contains the core of the Android operating system. When the source code of Android 16 is made available on this platform, developers will be able to create custom variants of the operating system suitable for their respective devices and port them for release.

Google has already confirmed that it will have a major Android release in the second quarter of 2025, followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. This contrasts with the typical Q3 launch window which usually sees the latest Android operating system being rolled out. The company says it wants the software to be released more quickly to eligible devices and that the decision was made to “better align with the device launch schedule.”

Android 16 features

Previous reports suggest that Android 16 could give third-party developers access to Rich Ongoing Notifications, Dynamic Island’s own version of the operating system. This allows them to add custom text, background colors and icons to the status bar chips. However, the capabilities must first be integrated into the apps before end users can see them on their devices.

The update is also reported to have a new ‘bubble anything’ feature that will allow users to use any app in a floating window on smartphones and tablets for an improved multitasking experience.