Android 16 rumoured to arrive in 2025: Everything else we know so far

Before Android 15 could enter the market, Android 16 is catching up. The rumour has it that this software will be out in the next year.

In Short

• iQOO 12 first to get Android 15
• Android 16 expected in 2025 with new features
• Compact notifications to improve user experience

Google made a major shift with Android 15 by uncoupling the platform update from the Pixel 9 series, allowing the software and hardware to develop on their own independent timelines. This decision gave Google the flexibility to refine both aspects without one influencing the other. While the official stable Android 15 release draws near, iQOO 12 owners will be the first ones to experience Android 15. Read more here. Even before Android 15 could make a full-blown entrance, attention is turning toward the future with Android 16. Expected to launch in 2025, Android 16 is likely to introduce new features, performance improvements, and user interface enhancements. Here’s a glimpse at what we know and what Google might be working on for this next update.

Android 16: Expected and leaked features

Desktop windowing: Debuting with Android 15, this feature is also expected to be seen in Android 16. The Desktop windowing lets users run multiple apps at once and resize app windows, similar to how it works on traditional desktops. Google has fixed the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, where it now displays both running apps and user-pinned apps. A new header bar has also been introduced, containing window controls. Additionally, a hidden toggle called "Enable desktop mode on secondary display" has replaced the older "Force desktop mode" option, expanding the feature set beyond the official announcements.

Revamped settings: Android 15 Beta 3 included clues for a redesigned Settings homepage, but the changes didn’t go live in later betas. The new settings layout did go live in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, indicating that it is possibly on track for an Android 16 release, according to the Android Authority report.

New screen recording chips: Android 16 could bring enhancements to the screen recorder and screencaster indicator chips. These changes were first noticed and activated in Android 15 Beta 4.2 and became more accessible in QPR 1 Beta 2, raising hopes for their inclusion in Android 16.

The new chips for screen recording and screencasting will feature a timer directly in the status bar. They will also allow you to stop a recording or casting session without pulling down the status bar. By tapping the chip, a dialog will appear to let you end the session. Additionally, a new icon will appear when a third-party app requests to record or cast your screen. The dialog now emphasises "share your screen" instead of simply "start recording or casting."

Compact notifications: If you find the size of heads-up notifications intrusive while watching full-screen content, Google is developing a fix. Hints of compact heads-up notifications were first spotted in Android 15 Beta 4, and the feature became more widely available with Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2.

In these compact notifications, most of the text is shortened, and any embedded images are hidden by default until you tap the dropdown arrow to expand them. However, key elements like the notification icon, title, and reply button remain visible for messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Android 16: Expected launch date

Google hasn’t officially announced the release schedule for Android 16 yet. However, based on previous release patterns, it’s likely to debut in Q4 2025. For comparison, Android 15’s first Developer Preview came out in February 2024, followed by Beta 1 in April, and the stable version is expected to launch in October 2024. Android 15’s source code was made available in September 2024.

There are indications, though, that Android 16 could launch sooner. AOSP code suggests that we might see an earlier release in Q2 2025, potentially in April, May, or June. While this could be Google's plan, only time will confirm if they can meet this accelerated schedule.