Android 16 is coming: 6 new features you can’t miss

The second beta of Android 16 is here, bringing improvements that promise to boost creativity and efficiency.

Google’s still focusing on personalized experiences, from advanced settings for professional cameras to tools that enhance accessibility. Pixel device users can try these new features now, while developers prep their apps to make the most of the system.

Some of the highlights include features for content creators, security and privacy enhancements, and tweaks that optimize performance. Plus, Android 16 aims for a more inclusive and adaptive design, with support for more languages and regional preferences. Here’s everything you need to know about this update.

1. Professional camera: more control than ever

Android 16 introduces hybrid exposure modes, letting you combine manual settings (like ISO or exposure time) with automatic algorithms. This gives photographers and videographers the freedom to customize shots without losing the convenience of auto mode.

Precise adjustments for color temperature and tint are also coming, perfect for studio shoots or variable lighting environments. Developers can integrate these changes with new APIs, making professional video apps easier to create.

Plus, motion photo actions make capturing moving shots easier. With the new Intents, camera apps automatically save these images, either in a specific location or via a URI.

2. UltraHDR and HEIC: cinematic-quality images

Android 16 expands support for UltraHDR images, now compatible with the HEIC format. This not only improves visual quality but also reduces file sizes. Parameters from the ISO 21496-1 standard are included for more precise handling of HDR and SDR.

Users will see more vibrant colors and detail in shadows, especially on devices with advanced displays. And for streaming fans, dynamic quality profiles adjust brightness and color accuracy based on content, like movies or sports.

Google’s also working on support for AVIF in UltraHDR, promising even more compression options without losing quality. A paradise for content creators!

3. Custom graphic effects with AGSL

Want to give your app a unique touch? Android 16 lets you create color filters and visual effects using AGSL (Android Graphics Shading Language). From sepia to saturation tweaks, the possibilities are endless.

With the new RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode APIs, developers can apply complex effects directly to interfaces. Imagine a threshold filter that turns photos to black and white with one click.

These tools are not only powerful but work in real-time. Perfect for editing apps, social networks, or games that want to stand out with a unique visual style.

4. Security and permissions: more granularity

Body sensor permissions (like heart rate) are now managed under android.permissions.health, aligning with Health Connect. Apps must request specific permissions (e.g., READ_HEART_RATE) instead of using BODY_SENSORS generically.

Plus, Android 16 blocks Intent redirection attacks by default, though developers can disable this protection if necessary (but with caution!). The JobScheduler is also optimized to detect abandoned jobs and prevent unnecessary resource usage.

For health and fitness apps, these changes mean more transparency and control over sensitive data. Your privacy first!

5. Accessibility: more inclusive experiences

Android 16 expands tools for users with visual disabilities. TtsSpan now supports durations (hours, minutes, seconds), improving the accuracy of screen readers like TalkBack.

There’s also support for expandable elements (menus or lists), allowing apps to notify state changes. ProgressBars can now show indeterminate states, and CheckBoxes support three states (checked, unchecked, and partial).

With APIs for multiple labels and font adjustments in languages like Arabic or Thai, Android 16 aims for a seamless and comprehensible experience for everyone.

6. Under-the-hood optimizations

The system now uses 16KB memory pages by default, improving performance and stability. For older apps, there’s a compatibility mode that avoids errors without sacrificing speed.

Intensive games and apps can use the new getCpuHeadroom and getGpuHeadroom APIs to measure available resources and adjust their consumption. Less lag, more battery.

And if you love dynamic wallpapers, the new WallpaperDescription APIs simplify creating unique experiences for the home and lock screens. You can customize every pixel.

Android 16 is expected to officially arrive in Q2 2025, but Pixel device users can try the beta version now and get an early look at its features. Tell us, will you be an early adopter?