Android 16 Features Lock Screen Widgets in New Beta Version

Android 16, codenamed “Baklava,” is the highly anticipated upcoming release of Google’s Android operating system. This new version brings a variety of innovative features and upgrades that aim to enhance the user experience across a wide range of Android devices. With a focus on privacy, customization, and cross-device usability, Android 16 has already generated significant buzz within the tech community. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the key features of Android 16, its expected release timeline, and a major return to lock screen widgets, a feature previously seen in older versions of Android.

Also, read about Android 12

What features are in Android 16?

Android 16 is set to introduce a wide array of new functionalities that will appeal to both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike. From privacy innovations to powerful customization tools, this release will bring several groundbreaking improvements to Android smartphones and tablets.

1. Linux Terminal Integration

One of the most exciting features of Android 16 is the deepened integration of the Linux terminal. This feature will allow users to run Linux applications directly on their Android devices through a virtual machine. The Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) will enable a Debian-based environment to run, which supports both command-line and graphical Linux applications. For example, it will be possible to run legacy desktop applications like Doom right on your smartphone, expanding the possibilities for Android users in the world of programming and open-source software.

2. Enhanced Photo Picker

Android 16’s photo picker will be significantly more advanced than what users are accustomed to in previous versions. The updated picker will allow users to seamlessly access and choose photos from both their local storage and cloud-based services, such as Google Photos. It will even include a search function, making it easier to locate specific photos across multiple devices and cloud accounts. This integration will make the photo selection process much more fluid and user-friendly, helping users save time while managing their media.

3. Health Records Management

In an effort to expand its role in health and wellness, Android 16 will introduce major enhancements to the Health Connect feature. The platform will now include new APIs that allow applications to access and manage personal health data securely. These updates will focus on simplifying the transfer and management of medical records, with initial support for immunization records. The introduction of support for the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format means that health records can be transferred more efficiently across apps, making it easier for users to track and manage their health information. The eventual goal is to support a broader range of medical data, such as medications and lab results.

4. Privacy Sandbox

Privacy is at the forefront of the system’s new features. The Privacy Sandbox is designed to minimize user tracking and preserve privacy without sacrificing the quality of personalized content. This system will replace many of the existing tracking methods and will anonymize data collection to ensure that users’ personal information is protected. Android 16 is expected to incorporate privacy-focused technologies that comply with global privacy regulations, ensuring that both users and advertisers benefit from a more secure environment.

5. Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast Streaming

Android 16 is set to support Bluetooth LE Audio, which will provide significant improvements in audio streaming. One of the most notable features of Bluetooth LE Audio is Auracast, which will allow users to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. This means that you could easily share music with friends, stream content to multiple speakers, or connect your phone to several pairs of headphones without the complex pairing steps that have traditionally been required. This advancement will enhance the versatility of Bluetooth technology on Android devices, making it easier to share audio content across multiple platforms.

6. Notification Cooldown

The Notification Cooldown feature aims to provide a more peaceful user experience by reducing notification overload. When multiple notifications arrive in quick succession, the new android version will temporarily reduce the notification sound or delay the alert for a short period, usually up to two minutes. However, users will still receive high-priority notifications, such as calls or alarms, in real-time. This feature is especially helpful in situations where users are bombarded with multiple non-essential notifications, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.

7. Adaptive Apps for Large Screens

Android 16 will make significant strides in optimizing apps for larger screens, including tablets and foldable devices. One of the key changes is the removal of restrictions that allow apps to limit their resizing or screen orientation on larger devices. This change is meant to encourage developers to create apps that can automatically adapt to the size of the screen, ensuring a smoother experience for users on a variety of devices. Android 16 will enforce this policy on devices with screens wider than 600dp, making sure that apps are optimized for all display sizes. By 2026, this policy will expand to Android 17, creating even more standardized experiences for users across devices.

8. Live Updates Notifications

Another noteworthy feature in Android 16 is the introduction of Live Updates notifications. This new type of notification will allow users to track ongoing activities in real-time. For example, if you’re using a ride-sharing or delivery app, you’ll be able to see live progress updates through notifications. The new “ProgressStyle” template will make it easier for developers to create notifications that visually display progress, making them more intuitive and informative.

9. Support for the APV Codec

For professionals in the video production space, Android 16 brings support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. The APV codec will allow high-quality video recording and post-production, supporting 10-bit encoding, high-quality color sampling, and incredibly high bitrates (up to 2 Gbit/s). This will provide content creators and media professionals with a robust solution for managing high-quality video content directly on Android devices.

10. Vertical Text Rendering

The new Android version will introduce support for vertical text rendering, which is especially useful for languages such as Japanese that traditionally use vertical writing systems. With the new support, developers can now create apps and websites that render text vertically, making it easier to create culturally relevant user interfaces for global audiences.

Android 16 lock screen widgets return

Perhaps one of the most exciting updates in Android 16 is the return of lock screen widgets, a feature that was first introduced in Android 4.2 and removed in Android 5.0. These widgets will allow users to add useful tools to their lock screens, providing quick access to key information or functionality without unlocking the phone.

In Android 16, lock screen widgets will return as a core feature, with functionality similar to what users may remember from earlier versions of Android. The feature will be available on most Android phones and tablets, and users can customize which widgets they want to appear on the lock screen. Notably, app developers can choose whether to enable or disable this feature in their apps. This gives users more control over their lock screen experience, ensuring that it remains as functional and relevant as possible.

Some app actions that require higher security, such as payments, will still prompt for authentication, but other actions will be available with a simple tap. This return of lock screen widgets is an excellent example of Android listening to its users and bringing back a beloved feature that enhances both utility and customization.

The return of this feature will first be available on Pixel devices, followed by more phones and tablets in the months after Android 16’s official release. Lock screen widgets are expected to be incorporated into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) during the first quarterly update after Android 16 is launched, which is likely to be in late summer 2025.

When will Android 15 be released?

Android 15, codenamed “Vanilla Ice Cream,” was officially released for Google Pixel devices on October 15, 2024. The update introduced several new features, including app archiving, partial screen sharing, and improved HDR support.

Following its initial release, Android 15 became available for a range of devices, with manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi offering the update.

If you own a Google Pixel device, you should have received the Android 15 update by now. For devices from other manufacturers, it’s advisable to check with your device’s manufacturer or carrier for information on the availability of Android 15 for your specific model.

When will Android 16 be released?

Android 16 was officially announced by Google in the second half of 2024. The first developer preview of Android 16 was made available in November 2024, with a second preview released in December 2024. These early versions allowed developers to test and build apps that are compatible with the upcoming release.

The first public beta of Android 16 was released in January 2025, followed by the second beta in February 2025. Android 16 will reach platform stability in March 2025, with the third beta marking a milestone for developers. The final, official release is expected in June 2025, though it may vary slightly depending on device manufacturers and their update schedules.

Android 15 vs. Android 16: A Comparison of Features and Enhancements

As Android continues to evolve, each new version brings a host of exciting changes aimed at improving user experience, security, and performance. Android 15 and Android 16 are two significant releases, each offering unique features and improvements. In this article, we’ll compare these two versions, focusing on their key features, performance upgrades, and the overall experience they offer to users.

Privacy and Security

Android 15 introduced several important privacy features, including a “Private Space” designed to secure sensitive apps and data. This version also added scam protection tools and anti-theft measures, such as the Theft Detection Lock, which locks the device if it is snatched, preventing unauthorized access.

Android 16 takes privacy even further with the introduction of the Privacy Sandbox. This feature aims to limit the tracking of users by using anonymized data and local processing to deliver personalized content without compromising privacy. This is a major step toward reducing user data exposure to third parties while still allowing developers to create useful, targeted apps.

User Interface and Experience

In terms of user interface, Android 15 focused heavily on enhancing multitasking, especially for larger devices like tablets. The update introduced predictive back gestures, making navigation smoother and more intuitive. Additionally, Android 15 improved app handling, with features like app archiving and partial screen recording.

Android 16 further refines the user interface by adding “Live Updates,” a new type of notification that helps users track ongoing activities in real time. This version also introduces improved app resizability, ensuring that apps can seamlessly adjust to different screen sizes, making it a better experience for both small phones and larger tablets.

Multimedia and Connectivity

Android 15 brought several improvements to multimedia features, including enhanced camera functionalities with Low Light Boost and better flash control, making it easier to take high-quality photos in low-light settings. It also introduced “Circle to Search,” allowing users to identify music playing in the background. Furthermore, Android 15 expanded health data management by integrating with Health Connect, giving users a more comprehensive view of their fitness data.

Android 16, on the other hand, introduces support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which is designed for high-quality video recording and post-production. It also incorporates Bluetooth LE Audio’s Auracast technology, enabling users to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously—a feature perfect for sharing music or video soundtracks in social settings.

Developer and System Enhancements

Android 15 placed a strong emphasis on improving performance and developer tools. It introduced Dynamic Performance, which allows devices to automatically adjust performance levels depending on current tasks. Android 15 also made it easier for developers to work with widgets, with enhanced preview tools, and improved handling of PDF files within apps.

Android 16 builds upon these system enhancements by adding the ability to run Linux applications through a virtual machine on the device, a feature that will appeal to developers and tech enthusiasts. It also introduced support for vertical text rendering, accommodating languages that use vertical writing systems, such as Chinese and Japanese.

Everything You Need to Know About Android 16: Release Date, Devices, and More

Android 16: The Baklava Update

Android 16, internally codenamed “Baklava,” marks a shift from Google’s traditional dessert-naming convention, which typically followed alphabetical order (Android 15 was “Vanilla Ice Cream”). This change reflects Google’s evolving development approach, particularly with its “Trunk Stable Project,” which aims to streamline builds and enable more frequent updates. The choice of “Baklava” signals a fresh start for Android’s development cycle, and users can expect a more polished experience with this release.

Android 16 Release Date

Google has confirmed that Android 16 will launch earlier than its predecessors, targeting the second quarter of 2025—specifically, a June release. This accelerated timeline, a departure from the usual August or September launches, aligns with device release cycles to ensure smoother integration across the Android ecosystem. The first developer preview dropped on November 19, 2024, followed by a second on December 18, 2024. The first beta arrived on January 23, 2025, and the second beta on February 13, 2025, with a third beta expected this month, March 2025, alongside the first SDK release.

Android 16 Beta: A Sneak Peek

The Android 16 Beta program has been underway since January 2025, giving developers and early adopters a chance to test the OS. Pixel device owners can enroll in the Android Beta Program to receive over-the-air updates for these beta builds. While the betas provide early access to the new OS, they may come with bugs, so they’re best suited for secondary devices or tech enthusiasts willing to provide feedback. The beta phase will continue until the stable release in June, with Google using this time to refine the OS based on user and developer input.

Android 16 on Pixel Devices

As always, Google Pixel devices will be the first to receive Android 16. Models like the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and the upcoming Pixel 9 series are expected to get the update shortly after its official release. Pixel phones often serve as the testing ground for new Android versions, and with Android 16, users might see enhancements tailored to Google’s hardware, such as improved AI capabilities and design tweaks under the Material You framework. The beta is already available for supported Pixel devices, making them the best way to experience Android 16 early.

Android 16 on Samsung Devices

Samsung users won’t be far behind, thanks to the company’s improved update schedule and its One UI skin. Devices like the Galaxy S24, S23, and recent A-series models are expected to receive Android 16 by late 2025 or early 2026. Samsung often adds its own flair to Android updates, so Galaxy users might see features like enhanced multitasking or deeper DeX integration alongside Android 16’s core offerings. Samsung’s commitment to multiple years of software support ensures that a wide range of its devices will be eligible for this update.

Android 16 Phones: Who’s Getting the Update?

Beyond Pixel and Samsung, Android 16 will roll out to a variety of devices from manufacturers like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Motorola. Typically, flagship and mid-range phones released within the last 2-3 years are eligible for major Android updates. For example, Xiaomi’s recent models, Oppo’s Find series, and Motorola’s Edge lineup are likely candidates. However, the exact timeline will vary by manufacturer, with some brands taking longer to adapt Android 16 to their custom skins. Check with your device maker for specific update schedules.

Android 16 Lock Screen Widgets: A Comeback?

One rumored addition that has fans excited is the potential return of lock screen widgets. While earlier Android versions briefly supported this, Android 16 might bring them back in a more robust form. Users could access weather, calendar events, or music controls directly from the lock screen, with enhanced customization options. This would align with Google’s focus on personalization and could make the lock screen a more functional hub.

Android 16 Linux: Expanding Capabilities

Android 16 builds on the Linux Terminal feature introduced in Android 15 QPR2, allowing users to run Linux applications within a virtual machine on their devices. This expansion could appeal to developers and power users who want to leverage Linux tools on their Android phones, potentially turning devices into more versatile productivity machines. It’s a niche but powerful addition to the Android 16 OS.

Android 16 OS: A Step Forward

As an operating system, Android 16 aims to balance innovation with stability. The earlier release schedule and two SDK releases in 2025 (one in March, another in Q4) reflect Google’s push for faster, more modular updates. This approach allows for quicker rollouts while giving developers more time to adapt their apps. Android 16 also emphasizes privacy and security, with enhancements like the Privacy Sandbox and secure WiFi location using AES-256 encryption.

How to Download Android 16

Once Android 16 is officially released in June 2025, users can download it by navigating to Settings > System > Software Update on eligible devices. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi, has at least 50% battery, and sufficient storage (typically 2-3 GB). For those eager to try it now, the Android 16 Beta can be installed on supported Pixel devices via the Android Beta Program, though it’s recommended for non-daily drivers due to potential instability.