NAIROBI, Kenya – Android fans can expect an early release of Android 16, with the first public beta arriving by mid-May 2025, ahead of the Google I/O developer conference.
A full rollout is expected later this year, marking a significant upgrade for Android users, especially those on mid-range devices.
The update promises improved performance, tighter privacy controls, and a smoother UI experience. Although early developer builds show minimal UI changes, a major visual overhaul is coming soon.
Google will unveil the updated Material 3 Expressive design at Google I/O, featuring enhanced blur effects and a refreshed look for Quick Settings and the Notifications panel.
Among the design tweaks are a frosted glass look for light mode and softer grey tones in dark mode.
The update will also optimize battery performance, memory usage, and background app behavior, ensuring smoother operation on older devices like Tecno, Infinix, and Samsung A-series models.
Additional visual improvements include redesigned status bar icons, a more compact lock screen layout, and dynamic theming for PIN entry.
The settings app is getting a richer experience, with colorful icons, card-style menus, and updated toggles reflecting the Material 3 Expressive style.
Android 16 is also focusing on privacy with a new Privacy Sandbox initiative, giving users more control over data access.
The Health Connect app will enable secure sharing of health data across apps, a feature particularly beneficial for users with smartwatches or fitness trackers.
With playful customization options like quirky home screen icon shapes, Android 16 promises to be both functional and visually engaging.
While not all features are available in Beta 4, users can look forward to a full reveal during Google I/O 2025.
