Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 has improved the ability to swipe-close apps from the Recents menu, making it quicker than ever before. Read on!

Android 16's most important additions revolve around security — and one setting in particular is especially pertinent to ponder.

Android 16 begins rolling out to Pixel phones, introducing features like smarter notifications, native hearing aid controls, Advanced Protection, and enhanced tablet productivity tools. Google says more devices and updates are coming later this year,

Google has launched the new mobile operating system, Android 16, for millions of smartphone users. The design has been revamped and numerous customisation features added. It will soon be available to users of Pixel smartphones.

Android 16 now features iOS-style live notifications on the lock screen for real-time updates and Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design language. There are new capabilities for safeguarding against theft and scams, along with an updated advanced protection mode to maintain security and privacy for public figures.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 has quietly reordered the status bar icons, matching the layout on iOS with the Wi-Fi and mobile network icons.

Alongside the Android 16 update, Google is announcing a new Pixel Drop. Like Android 16, there isn't a ton here. Google says Expressive Captions are coming to the UK, Australia, and Canada, which is nice but should not require a system update. There's also better support for hearing aids and live search in the magnifier app.

Android 16 is built on Google's new Material 3 Expressive design and currently supports Pixel devices, with more phone brands expected to receive the update later this year. Let’s take a look at what’s new.