Android 16 Features: Top Updates & Improvements (vs Android 15)

Android 16 features are rolling out with Google’s latest OS update, offering users smarter notifications, better accessibility, advanced security, and a refreshed tablet experience. Whether you’re a general Android user or an enthusiast, the new Android 16 update brings practical changes you’ll notice every day.

Here’s a look at what’s new in Android 16, with a clear comparison to Android 15.

Android 16 features - Streamlined Notifications with Live Updates

One of the standout Android 16 features is smarter notifications. Delivery and ride share apps can now push live updates directly into notifications, showing progress bars or real time status on the lock screen. This lets you track food delivery, packages, or rides in real time, no more constant app switching. Android 16 also groups alerts from the same app to reduce notification clutter.

Android 16 features - Accessibility: Hearing Aid Support

Android 16 introduces big improvements for users with hearing aids. You can now switch your phone’s microphone for calls, making conversations clearer in noisy environments. There are also in phone controls for hearing devices: adjust volume, change presets, or toggle mic settings easily from the Bluetooth menu.

Android 16 features - Enhanced Security with One Tap Protection

Security gets a boost with Android 16’s Advanced Protection suite, which can be enabled in a single tap. It adds powerful defenses against phishing, unsafe apps, scam calls, and malicious websites, offering more peace of mind than ever. Android 15 focused on theft detection and remote lock; Android 16 takes a more holistic approach to device security.

Android 16 features - Productivity on Tablets and Foldables

Android 16 brings a PC like multitasking experience to tablets and foldables. You can open and stack multiple app windows, move them around, and even use custom keyboard shortcuts. The new taskbar overflow menu makes it easy to see hidden apps. These changes build on Android 15’s split screen and pinned taskbar features, making tablets and foldables even more productive.

Other Android 16 Features

HDR Screenshots: Take high quality screenshots in HDR mode.
Adaptive Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates when needed, lower rates to save battery.
Predictive Back Gesture: Preview where you’ll go before completing a back action.
Identity Check: Alerts if someone tries to access your accounts from outside trusted locations.
Slider Haptics: More tactile UI feedback for volume sliders and more.
Trade-In Mode: A fast way to wipe and reset your phone for resale or trade in.

Android 16 vs Android 15: Key Differences

Notifications: Android 16 introduces live tracking and auto grouping; Android 15 did not.
Security: Android 16 features Advanced Protection; Android 15 focused on theft lock and private space.
Hearing Aid Support: New in Android 16; Android 15 did not offer new features.
Tablet Multitasking: Android 16 offers full desktop windowing and custom shortcuts; Android 15 introduced app pairing and pinning.
Privacy & Camera: Android 16 offers Identity Check and HDR screenshots; Android 15 added satellite messaging and private vaults.

Android 16 builds on Android 15 by making your device more user friendly, accessible, and secure.