Android 16: The 8 Best Features You Should Be Using Right Now
Android 16 (codenamed "Baklava") has been available since mid-2025, but many of its best features fly under the radar. Here are eight you should start using today.
1. Notification Cooldown
Tired of rapid-fire notification buzzes from group chats? Notification Cooldown automatically lowers the volume and reduces haptic feedback when you receive a barrage of notifications in quick succession. It still prioritizes important contacts so you don't miss what matters.
Enable it: Settings > Notifications > Notification Cooldown
2. Rich Ongoing Notifications
Android 16 introduces live, dynamic notifications that update in real-time—think flight status, food delivery tracking, or rideshare ETAs right in your notification shade. No more opening and closing apps to check progress.
3. Audio Sharing via Auracast
Using Bluetooth LE Audio, you can now stream audio to multiple devices simultaneously. Share music with friends at a party, share audio with a family member on a plane, or connect two pairs of earbuds to the same phone.
How to use it: Connect a Bluetooth LE Audio device > tap the audio output icon > select "Share Audio"
4. Desktop Windowing Mode
Connect your Android phone to an external monitor and you get a full desktop-like experience with resizable windows, a taskbar, and drag-and-drop support. It's Samsung DeX-like functionality built right into Android.
5. Enhanced Health Records in Health Connect
Health Connect now supports immunization records, lab results, and medical data from participating healthcare providers. It's a centralized, private health dashboard right on your phone.
6. Material 3 Expressive Design
The updated Material 3 Expressive design language brings richer animations, enhanced blur effects, and more vibrant dynamic color options. Your phone's interface feels noticeably more polished and alive.
7. Privacy Dashboard Improvements
The Privacy Dashboard now tracks app access to your camera, microphone, and location with a 7-day history (up from 24 hours). You get a much clearer picture of which apps are accessing sensitive data.
8. Predictive Back Navigation
The predictive back gesture now shows a preview of where you'll land before you complete the swipe. It sounds small, but it makes navigating between apps and screens feel significantly smoother and more confident.
Is Your Phone Running Android 16?
Android 16 is available on Pixel 7 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer, and most 2024-2025 flagships from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others. If your phone doesn't have Android 16 and never will, it may be time for an upgrade.
