# Android 16 set for 2025 release: Key features and updates you should know about | Tech News (HT Tech) > Android 16 is on the horizon, set for release in 2025. New features and enhancements promise to elevate user experience significantly. Here's what to expect. # Android 16 set for 2025 release: Key features and updates you should know about ## Android 16 is on the horizon, set for release in 2025. New features and enhancements promise to elevate user experience significantly. Here's what to expect. Oct 04 2024, 07:05 IST ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook.png) ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook-hover.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Share.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Shareclicked.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp-hover.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter-hover.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook-hover.png) ![Bookmark](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmark.png) ![Bookmarked](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmarked.png) ![Android 16](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/img/2024/10/03/1600x900/Android_16_set_for_2025_release_1727957562516_1727957562793.webp) ![icon](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/imageviewall.png) Google is preparing for Android 16's launch in 2025 with exciting features and performance enhancements. (Representative image) (Google) ![Author Photo](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/HTTech-new-circle-logo.png) ### By MD IJAJ KHAN Google has shifted its strategy with Android 15 by separating the platform update from the Pixel 9 series. This change allows the software and hardware to develop independently, giving Google the freedom to enhance both without interdependence. As Android 15 prepares for its full launch, attention has turned to Android 16, anticipated in 2025. Early indications suggest that this update will introduce new functionalities, performance enhancements, and modifications to the user interface. Here’s what is known so far about this upcoming version. ## Desktop Windowing Feature Following its introduction in Android 15, the Desktop windowing feature is set to continue in Android 16. This function enables users to operate multiple applications simultaneously and resize their windows, akin to traditional desktop environments. Google has incorporated a taskbar at the bottom of the screen to display both active and pinned applications. A new header bar with window controls complements this feature. Moreover, a hidden toggle labelled "Enable desktop mode on secondary display" replaces the previous "Force desktop mode," broadening its capabilities beyond initial announcements. Also read: Google For India 2024: 9 Big announcements in AI and other Google services Also read click here. ## Redesigned Settings Layout Clues regarding a revamped Settings homepage emerged in Android 15 Beta 3, although these modifications did not appear in subsequent beta releases. However, the new settings layout surfaced in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2, suggesting a potential rollout in Android 16. Also read: Google For India 2024: Google Gemini Live, AI Overviews rolling out in Indian languages ## Screen Recording Enhancements Android 16 may enhance the screen recorder and screencaster indicator chips, first noticed in Android 15 Beta 4.2 and becoming more available in QPR 1 Beta 2. These new chips will feature a timer in the status bar and facilitate ending recording or casting sessions without pulling down the status bar. Users can tap the chip to bring up a dialog for session termination. Additionally, a new icon will signal when a third-party app requests to record or cast the screen, changing the dialog to emphasise "share your screen." Also read: Google for India Event: Major additions to Google Pay, easier credit access, and more coming ## Compact Notifications Development For users seeking a less intrusive notification experience while viewing full-screen content, Google is addressing this concern. Initial signs of compact heads-up notifications appeared in Android 15 Beta 4, and the feature became more accessible in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 2. In these notifications, most text is condensed, and embedded images are hidden by default until the user taps a dropdown arrow. Nevertheless, crucial elements such as the notification icon, title, and reply button remain visible for messaging applications like WhatsApp. Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. 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