Android 16 launches with pro camera tools, live notification updates, & security upgrades

Google has released Android 16 for supported Pixel devices, delivering a notable update. The new version introduces night mode scene detection, hybrid auto exposure, and precise color temperature controls for the camera, together with improved UltraHDR support, HEIC encoding, and the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec.

Additionally, Android 16 mandates that apps targeting the update must use edge-to-edge layouts, streamlining the visual experience and laying groundwork for the upcoming Material 3 Expressive design changes. System-wide animations now default for actions like back-to-home, cross-task, and cross-activity navigation, enhancing app consistency.

In notifications, Android 16 supports progress-centric updates, giving developers new ways to highlight user journey milestones with points and segments. The release also prioritizes user privacy and security by boosting protections against intent redirection attacks, adding an API to share Android Keystore keys, integrating the latest Privacy Sandbox version, and making photo picker controls more granular for shared app media. Location privacy during companion device pairing has also been improved.

The update also introduces outline text, which enhances legibility by drawing a more visible boundary around text. For users of LE Audio hearing aids, Auracast broadcast audio compatibility is now available.