Google has released a stable version of Android 16 for Pixel smartphones

The stable version of Android 16 became available to Pixel smartphone users on June 10, 2025. The Android Developers account on the X network officially announced the news, confirming the completion of more than half a year of testing.

Android 16 is coming out earlier than usual

Google has for the first time in a long time released the final version of Android earlier than usual – in June instead of in the fall. The company previously used a similar tactic when announcing several beta builds of Android 16, announcing the release just a day before the release. The official launch coincided with June’s Feature Drop 2025, which also included new features for devices outside of the Pixel lineup.

The official launch coincided with the June Feature Drop 2025, which also included new features for devices outside of the Pixel lineup.

Compatible Pixel smartphones, except those running the Android 16 QPR1 beta version of Android 16, will receive the update. Users must be on either the stable version of Android 15 or the official Android 16 beta branch to receive the stable update. If the device is registered in the QPR1 channel, you’ll need to quit the program and manually install the stable build of Android 16 – all data will be deleted.

Android 16 innovations and features

The final version of Android 16 includes several key updates. One notable feature is Live Updates, the Live Activities counterpart from iOS, which lets you display real-time information about shipping, sporting events, and other services right on your lock screen.

Any new feature is the Live Updates system, which is analogous to Live Activities from iOS, allowing you to display real-time information about shipping, sporting events, and other services right on your lock screen.

Security settings have also been improved in Android 16. It introduces Advanced Protection mode, which combines all security settings into one menu. Future features include Intrusion Logging and Inactivity Reboot, but they’re not scheduled to be available until the second half of 2025.

Although the stable build of Android 16 doesn’t yet include the new Material 3 Expressive design, Google is still actively developing the visual component of the system. Some features will be rolled out in phases over the course of the year.

Updates for other devices

Besides the Pixel smartphones, the Pixel Watch smart watch has also received updates. As a reminder, Google has moved this lineup to a quarterly update cycle, and with the June package, users will get new features and improvements.

More details on Android 16 features are expected closer to the release of the Pixel 9, which is expected to be the first device with full support for all the new OS’ innovations.

The Google has released a stable version of Android 16 for Pixel smartphones was first published on ITZine.ru.