Android 16 Stable Rolls Out to Pixel Devices: Full List of Eligible Phones and Key Features

Google has officially rolled out the first stable release of Android 16 to its Pixel lineup. As expected, this major update is now available via OTA (over-the-air) for select Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6 series and newer, including the Pixel Tablet.

Eligible Devices for Android 16 Stable Update:

Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a

Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a

Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a

Pixel Fold

Pixel Tablet

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a

What’s New in Android 16 (Stable)

Android 16 introduces a host of upgrades focusing on adaptability, security, and accessibility. However, some headline features like Material 3 Expressive and the new Desktop Mode are still in the pipeline and will be included in future releases.

Key Features:

Adaptive App Support: Apps now dynamically scale across various screen sizes and foldable displays.

Grouped Notifications: Reduces notification clutter by grouping alerts from the same app.

Live Updates: Real-time dynamic notifications for ongoing activities like navigation, ride-hailing, and deliveries—visible on the lock screen and status bar.

Advanced Hearing Aid Support: New toggle with controls for battery, presets, mic input, and volume. You can even switch to your phone’s mic for better voice clarity in noisy environments.

Advanced Protection: Shields users from harmful apps, scam calls, and malicious sites.

HDR Screenshots & Adaptive Refresh Rate Controls

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts & Enhanced Identity Verification

Desktop Mode & Windowed Multitasking (Coming Soon)

Google is testing a new desktop interface via the Android 16 QPR 2 beta—designed for developers. It allows for multi-window app use on external displays via DisplayPort. Key features include:

Independent screen operation

A taskbar and app drawer

Full extended session on Pixel Tablet for seamless drag-and-drop across displays

Additionally, tablet users will receive desktop-style window management later this year, enabling app window resizing, moving, and multitasking just like on a desktop computer.

Final Thoughts

Android 16 is shaping up to be a major leap forward, especially for foldables and tablets. While some features are delayed, the current stable version brings meaningful upgrades for productivity, accessibility, and security.