Android 16 is the next operating system (OS) from Google, which is expected to be the successor to Android 15, which debuted in September. Although Google has confirmed the release schedule for the update, the exact date is still unknown. However, a recent report suggests that Android 16 could be rolling out to devices much earlier than previous updates, with summer next year thought to be the most likely time frame for its launch.

Android 16 release date

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

Notably, AOSP is the source code repository that contains the core Android OS. When the Android 16 source code becomes available on this platform, developers will be able to create custom variants of the OS for their devices and port it for release.

Google has already confirmed that there will be a major release of Android in the second quarter of 2025, followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. This is in contrast to the typical Q3 launch window, when the latest Android OS is usually rolled out. The company says it wants software to be released for eligible devices faster, and its decision was made to “better align with device launch schedules.”

Android 16 features

Previous reports suggest that Android 16 may allow third-party developers to access Rich Ongoing Notifications, which is the native version of Dynamic Island OS. This allows them to add custom text, background colors, and icons to status bar items. However, its capabilities must first be integrated into applications before end users can see it on their devices.

The update is also said to include a new “bubble whatever” feature that could allow users to use any app in a floating window on smartphones and tablets for improved multitasking.