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Android 16 was officially released on June 10, 2025. It first became available for supported Pixel devices and was later released for other phone brands. It’s a great update, so you’re in for a treat if you’re using a Pixel phone. You’ll likely see it drop with the next Pixel. As for Samsung, the manufacturers usually decide when to adopt the new OS. So it may come a little later. This new update is all about improving your phone experience.
Android 16 is a creatively designed update. Consider its minor, thoughtful tweaks that make a big difference over time. You’ve got some cool new tools, like making your phone work like a mini desktop PC. The rest of the updates are making your phone safer and more accessible, which is incredible. Without further ado, here are the top five Android 16 features you should know.
1. Live Updates:
A common phenomenon in the tech space is that sometimes, Apple borrows from Android, and Android borrows from Apple. But this time, Android is borrowing the “Live Updates” feature on iPhones. It helps you keep track of live events.
Once your phone is unlocked, you can tap on the current Live Update notification for a quick preview and interact with it.
2. Page Previews:
Google has a pleasant surprise in Android 16. Sometimes you want to know the contents of the next page without leaving your current page. Before you click a button, you may want to know what page you’ll land on. This new update gives you a preview. This helps when you’re unsure. You can see what’s coming before you commit.
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3. Hiding OTP Code Texts:
Android 16 has a feature that hides your sensitive notifications until you unlock your phone with your fingerprint. Someone may be looking while you’re unlocking your phone, and that’s where Android 16’s new OTP (one-time password) hiding feature comes in. It’s smart enough to detect things like 6-digit OTP codes and other highly sensitive notifications and will keep them hidden until you tap on the notification to expand it.
This is a big deal significant update because hackers are increasingly sophisticated, and getting an OTP code is a goldmine.
4. Anti-Scam Features:
Android has always been a leader in security, and Android 16 is continuing that tradition with some of the best anti-scam features we’ve ever seen.
One of the most significant new additions is a feature that prevents you from changing accessibility permissions while on a phone call. This is a brilliant move, as scammers love to trick you into turning off security settings during a call. Android has also given text-based scam detection a significant upgrade, using AI to identify suspicious texts.
Android 16 added the “Key Verifier” feature that helps you verify you’re talking to the right person. This is especially important now with voice cloning scams becoming a terrifying reality. Imagine a scammer stealing your family member’s identity and cloning their voice to trick you into doing something you shouldn’t. Key Verifier helps you confirm you’re talking to the right person. It’s not 100% foolproof. It’s another fantastic line of defence.
5. Advanced Protection Security Mode:
Android 16 has one more offer: the new Advanced Protection suite. This is the Android equivalent of Apple’s Lockdown Mode, designed to keep even the worst spyware off your phone. It’s an optional, one-tap setting that combines existing and new security features into one comprehensive package. It includes things like Android’s new anti-theft features, which automatically lock your phone if stolen.
One of the coolest new features is “Inactivity Reboot.” Your device will automatically restart if you don’t use it for three days. Once a phone is unlocked, it stays partially decrypted, which makes it vulnerable. Rebooting it closes that security gap. Advanced Protection also beefs up your USB security. Your phone will only charge from a new USB connection until you unlock it and give it permission for file transfers. And for those wary of “sideloading” apps from outside the Play Store, this mode will block any non-Play Store apps from being installed. A new memory tagging extension also helps prevent memory corruption, a common hacker tactic.
This suite is packed with other minor but essential security features, including blocking your phone from connecting to 2G networks and real-time scam detection during calls.