- Check out the updated list of phones from each brand that will receive Android 16 and all the key system updates.
- Find out when and how you can update your device to Android 16 and what improvements this version brings.
- Learn about the new security, AI, personalization, camera, and productivity features that will set Android 16 apart.
Android 16 is just around the corner . Anticipation is building, and the main question is: Will my phone be updated to Android 16? In this article, we offer the definitive guide to beta release dates, all the new features, the most relevant changes, and, most importantly for users, the list of phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, HONOR, Google, realme, Motorola, OnePlus, Vivo, HMD, and other brands that will be able to upgrade to the new version of Google's operating system. We also include the most up-to-date and complete information on preliminary listings and the update policies of the main manufacturers, so you can see everything relevant about Android 16 at a glance without depending on specific dates, ensuring this content is always useful.
Key new features and highlights of Android 16
Android 16 arrives with significant advances compared to previous versions, establishing itself as a major update that reinforces the focus on user experience, security, privacy, artificial intelligence, personalization and adaptability for all screen formats (mobiles, tablets, foldables and innovative devices).
- live updatesThe star feature of Android 16 is “Live Updates,” which allow you to receive notifications and dynamic information about ongoing processes (e.g., order tracking, routes, service change notifications, etc.) directly on the lock screen and in real time, without having to enter apps. This feature greatly improves productivity and convenience.
- Redesigned notification panelThe notification area has received a notable change, separating shortcuts and notifications into two distinct panels, accessible via gestures from the top sides. This streamlines interaction and improves visual organization, similar to what some brands offer with their own layers (such as Xiaomi with HyperOS and Samsung with One UI).
- Accessibility and customization improvementsAndroid 16 lets you customize app icons in up to six different shapes, add widgets to the lock screen, and adjust text contrast to suit your needs. This makes the system even more inclusive.
- Artificial Intelligence Integration (Google Gemini)Google continues to strengthen the AI presence in the system, allowing users to leverage Gemini extensions to automate tasks, anticipate actions, and get personalized suggestions based on usage and context.
- Camera and multimedia improvements: : Support for the advanced APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec that enables ultra-high-quality video recording, improved Night Mode by integrating the CameraX API (making it easier for third-party apps like Instagram to use), hybrid auto-exposure, advanced color accuracy, Ultra HDR available in HEIC photos, and new smart editing and capture features.
- desktop modeOne of the biggest additions is Android's native desktop mode, which allows you to transform mobile phones and tablets into a PC-like experience, efficiently leveraging external displays and multiple devices.
- Battery health: New section in Settings to check the battery's health status and charge cycles, making device management and maintenance easier.
- Other notable improvements: Support for more efficient adaptive refresh rates, Auracast audio streaming, smart notification volume management, full-screen apps, and options for enhanced privacy and security settings (updated Privacy Sandbox, protection against unsafe installations and networks, etc.).
Many of these new features will be included in the stable version of Android 16, and some will be rolled out gradually depending on the device brand and model.
Android 16 Release Schedule: Dates and Phases of Deployment
The Android 16 release cycle includes several phases:
- Developer Preview: First internal versions for developers, useful for detecting errors and starting the app adaptation process (published several months before the final release). More about the first previews.
- Open betasFollowing the Developer Preview, Google typically releases a more stable beta program aimed at users interested in trying out new features. At this stage, supported devices are primarily the latest Google Pixels, with select models from other brands being added in later phases.
- Stable version: Once the beta stage is over and the detected errors are corrected, Android 16 begins its official rollout, first on the Pixel range and, progressively, on devices from other manufacturers according to their update policy.
The rollout is always phased and can take several months until it's available for all compatible models. Each manufacturer adapts and customizes the update to its devices and customization layers, so the pace may vary between brands.
Generally, after the official launch, most premium or high-end phones receive Android 16 first, followed by mid-range models, and finally, older models that are still on the support cycle promised by the manufacturer.
List of phones getting Android 16: Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, realme, Motorola, OnePlus, Vivo, HMD, HONOR, and more
As every year, the list of devices expected to receive Android 16 is compiled based on each manufacturer's update policies, device lifecycle, and publicly announced commitments. Keep in mind that the lists are preliminary and are updated as manufacturers confirm or expand models. Here are the lists organized by brand and main series:
Google Pixel: the first to update to Android 16
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Fold
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablets
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
Samsung: Leaders in Fast and Long-Lasting Updates
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+ and S25
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24, S24 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S23 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, S22+, S22
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, S21+, S21, S21 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Fold3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Flip5, Z Flip4, Z Flip3
- Samsung Galaxy A55, A54, A53, A35, A34, A33, A25, A24, A23, A16, A15, A14
- Samsung Galaxy M55, M54, M53, M34, M15
Samsung devices typically receive updates in several phases. High-end models and new releases are usually prioritized, followed by mid-range and low-end devices. See the full updated list.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO: a wide range of compatible models
Xiaomi : In upcoming updates, many of its models will be able to make the jump to Android 16 with the HyperOS customization . Congratulations to the users of these devices.
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra, 15 Pro, 15
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra, 14 Pro, 14, 14T Pro, 14T
- Xiaomi 13 Ultra, 13 Pro, 13, 13T Pro, 13T, 13 Lite
- Xiaomi 12 Pro, 12, 12T Pro, 12T
- Xiaomi pad 6
Redmi : more and more models are being added to the list of upgradeable devices.
- Redmi Note 14 Pro+, Note 14 Pro, Note 14
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Note 13 Pro, Note 13, Note 13 5G
- Redmi 13, Redmi Note 12, Redmi 12 5G, Redmi 12
POCO : the closest version to experiencing Android 16.
- POCO X7 Pro, X7, X6 Pro, X6
- POCO F7 Ultra, F7 Pro, F6 Pro, F6
- LITTLE M6 Pro 5G
realme: devices that will receive Android 16
- realme GT 7 Pro, GT 6, GT 6T, GT 2, GT 2 Pro
- realme 14 Pro+, 14 Pro, 14, 13 Pro+, 13 Pro, 13, 13+, 12 5G, 12+, 12x, 12 Pro+, 12 Pro, 11 Pro, 11 Pro+
- realme Note 50, C65, C63, C61
Motorola: Confirmed and Estimated Models for the Update
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, 50 Pro, 50, 50 Fusion, 50 Neo, Edge (2024), Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40
- Motorola razr 50 Ultra, razr 50, razr 40 Ultra, razr 40, razr+ 2024
- Motorola ThinkPhone, ThinkPhone 25
- Motorola Moto G85, G75, G55, G45, G35
- Motorola S50 Neo
OnePlus: list of phones compatible with Android 16
- OnePlus 13, 13R, 12, 12R, 11, 11R, 10 Pro, 10R, 10T
- OnePlus Open
- OnePlus Nord 4, Nord 3, Nord CE4, Nord CE4 Lite, Nord CE 3, Nord CE 3 Lite
Vivo: Update guaranteed for its recent models
- Vivo X Fold3 Pro, X Fold3, X200 Pro, X200, X100 Ultra, X100 Pro,
HMD Global (Nokia): devices that will make the leap
- HMD Fusion, Pulse, Pulse Pro, Pulse+, Skyline
HONOR: phones compatible with the update
- HONOR 200, 200 Lite, 200 Pro, 200 Smart
- HONOR Magic V Flip, Magic V3, Magic Vs, Magic Vs3, Magic5 Pro, Magic6, Magic6 Pro, Magic6 Ultimate, X50 Pro
Nothing, OPPO, Asus and other manufacturers: models to consider
Nothing and OPPO typically guarantee fast updates for their latest and premium models. Asus and other brands like Tecno, Infinix, and others will gradually announce the devices included in the Android 16 update cycle.
How do I know if my phone will be updated to Android 16?
To know if a phone will receive Android 16, the key is to know the manufacturer's update policy, which is typically between 2 and 7 years depending on the model and brand. Additionally, the support cycle can include years of additional security updates, even if the operating system doesn't receive a full new version. Some key points:
- Check the manufacturer's official website or press releases for details on which models will receive Android 16.
- Premium and recently released devices are more likely to receive the update.
- Check for updates by going to Settings > System > Software Update.
- Check specialized forums and portals where preliminary lists are updated according to official announcements.
How to install Android 16: official methods and recommendations
Depending on the update status and your device, there are three traditional paths to update to Android 16:
- Beta programIf your phone is selected for beta testing, you can sign up through your manufacturer's website or through Google's beta program. Remember that these are unstable versions, not recommended for everyday use.
- Android Flash ToolsGoogle's official tool allows you to manually install beta or preview versions on Google Pixels. The process requires some knowledge and may reset your phone, so it's a good idea to back up your important data.
- OTA (Over The Air) Update: The safest and most recommended method. When the stable update arrives on your phone, you'll see a notification to download and install it automatically.
In any case, if you are inexperienced with manual installations, wait for the official update to avoid the risk of errors or data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Updating to Android 16
- How long does it take for Android 16 to reach each manufacturer? It depends on the brand, but Pixel devices are generally the first to receive it, followed by Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, realme, OnePlus, Motorola, and other brands.
- Will I receive the update directly from Google? Only Pixel devices and select devices in the Android One program receive the update directly from Google. The rest depend on brand adaptation (custom layer, testing, and specific compatibility).
- What happens if my phone isn't on the list? If your device doesn't appear on the preliminary lists or doesn't meet the minimum support lifespan, it likely won't receive Android 16 officially. In some cases, the developer community releases custom ROMs based on the new system.
- Do I lose my data when I update to Android 16? OTA updates don't erase data, but manual methods (flashing, betas) can. Always back up your data before proceeding.
- Will Android 16 take up much more space? Android 16 optimization aims to maintain or even reduce storage requirements, but some advanced features like professional video recording require sufficient free space for large media files.
Android's evolution toward smarter, more customizable, and more secure versions is constant. With Android 16, the Android ecosystem takes a leap forward in every area, ensuring that both advanced users and those seeking simplicity find a more powerful and flexible ally in their devices. The key to making the most of the update is to stay informed about new features, check compatibility, and choose the right time to update, thus avoiding problems and enjoying the innovations from Google and the leading manufacturers in the sector.