Android 16 is launched

Android 16 or “Baklava” is launched today. (10 Jun 2025)

Copying from Android.com’s list of Android 16 features

Usability enhancements.
Notifications on your device are now easier to manage and more intuitive. Android 16 brings:

1. Auto-grouping: Reduces clutter by grouping similar notifications together, making it easier to find what you need.
2. Live updates: Track your ride or delivery progress in real-time right from your notifications with compatible apps.
3. Predictive back: Get a preview of your previous screen before going back with the predictive back feature in three-button navigation
4. Haptic sliders: Tactile feedback makes adjusting volume and brightness more precise with haptic sliders.
5. Adaptive refresh rate: Get a smoother experience and optimized battery life with adaptive refresh rate that automatically adjusts your display when viewing content.

Multitasking tools: Enhance your productivity
Android 16 introduces multitasking features to boost your productivity. Here’s what’s new:

1. Desktop windowing: Open, group and resize multiple app windows for an easier experience on larger screens. Desktop windowing is enabled by Android 16 and will be available later this year.
2. Custom keyboard shortcuts: Use custom keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation and app launching to enhance productivity on bigger screens.
3. Taskbar overflow: Manage multiple opened apps and find the window you need quickly with the new taskbar overflow feature.

Accessibility: Designed for everyone.

I usually don’t use the accessibility function as it triggers the banking apps security scan. There are some interesting things.

1. Phone as mic input for other devices. Hmmmm
2. Enhanced hearing device support: Hearing aid can be controlled by Android.

Security: Privacy and trust.
With expanded security features, Android 16 goes further to protect your data and privacy.

1. Identity Check – is supposed to alert to out-of-safe-zone authentication.
2. Trade-in Mode – This security feature is interesting. I have been holding off buying phones second-hand due to the risk of not being able to register my account.
3. Advanced Protection

Strangely, there is no mention of the graphical artefacts in MBKHD’s review. He covered a lot about what happens when swiping out a task or notification; the adjacent tasks or notifications jiggle in concert.

A full review is available here