Android 16 Archives ~ My Mobile India

Highlights Samsung has already started testing One UI 8 based on Android 16. The first build for the Galaxy S25 series was spotted on Samsung's firmware servers. Android 16 will introduce Live Updates, lock screen widgets and security improvements. Google plans to release Android 16 in June 2025 with smartphone manufacturers potentially rolling out updates by August. Google has started testing One UI 8 based on Android 16. (Image Source - Google) While One UI 7 built on Android 15 hasn't even been released yet despite months of testing, Samsung has already started testing One UI 8 based on Android 16. Google is expected to release Android 16 in June this year. We're hoping Samsung moves faster with One UI 8 than it did with the previous update, but there are no guarantees. The fact that internal testing has already begun is promising, but it doesn’t necessarily mean an earlier release. The first One UI 8 internal test build for the Galaxy S25 series has been spotted on the server. (Image credit - @tarunvats33 on X) The first One UI 8 build for the Galaxy S25 series was spotted on Samsung's firmware servers recently. Samsung has reportedly started development two months earlier than usual. BREAKING ‼️ The FIRST One UI 8 internal test build for the Galaxy S25 series has been spotted on the server today Build Version: S938BXXU1BYC1/S938BOXM1BYC1/S938BXXU1BYC1 Samsung has kicked off One UI 8 (Android 16) development two months earlier than usual. Repost 🔄 pic.twitter.com/hZ3G38ORng — Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) March 7, 2025 Android 16 - Features, Release Date and More Google introduced Android 15 in August last year, but with many devices still waiting for that update, the company is already working on Android 16. Here’s what to expect from the next big Android release. Like recent Android versions, Android 16 is expected to be more of an incremental upgrade rather than a major UI overhaul. That said, it will bring some much-anticipated features. Live Updates One of the biggest additions is Live Updates, a feature that lets you pin important notifications for easy access. Similar to Apple’s Live Activities, it will show notification progress on the status bar, lock screen and Always-On Display. However, it’s unclear if it will work with all apps or just a few select ones. Lock Screen Widgets Google expected to bring lock screen widgets with One UI 8. (Image credit - GSMArena) Google is also bringing back lock screen widgets, something Android had nearly a decade ago but later removed. While this feature is already available on tablets, it is expected to arrive on smartphones with Android 16 QPR1 later in 2025. Currently, the Pixel Tablet is the only device with lock screen widgets, but Google has promised to expand support to more devices shortly after Android 16 launches. “Lock screen widgets will be available in AOSP for tablets and mobile starting with the release after Android 16 (QPR1). This update is scheduled to be pushed to AOSP in late Summer 2025. Lock screen widgets are already available on Pixel Tablets,” mentions the Android Developers Blog. Android Authority discovered that while tablets require a swipe-right gesture to access widgets, smartphones will need to enable Android screensaver mode, which only works when the device is charging or docked. Security and Accessibility Improvements With phone scams and cyber threats on the rise, Google is tightening security in Android 16. A new feature will automatically disable sideloading of apps and accessibility services during active phone calls, one of the techniques often used by hackers to take control of devices. Another interesting addition is Motion Cues, designed to reduce motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. Similar to Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 18, it will display animated black dots along the screen edges that mimic the movement of the vehicle to help reduce sensory conflict between what users see and feel. Apart from these, Android 16 will also introduce a redesigned settings homepage, a new volume slider, compact heads-up notifications and other under-the-hood optimisations. Android 16 Release Timeline Google released the first Android 16 Developer Preview in November last year, followed by two beta versions. According to Google's President of the Android Ecosystem, the company is on track to meet its June 2025 deadline. If things go as planned, smartphone manufacturers could start rolling out Android 16 updates by August. With Samsung already testing One UI 8, there’s hope that the company might speed up its update process this time around. FAQs Q1. What is Samsung currently testing in relation to One UI and Android? Answer. Samsung has already started testing One UI 8 based on Android 16. The first One UI 8 build for the Galaxy S25 series was spotted on Samsung's firmware servers. Q2. What are some of the anticipated features of Android 16? Answer. Android 16 will bring Live Updates, lock screen widgets, and security improvements among other features. Live Updates will let you pin important notifications for easy access, and lock screen widgets are expected to return to smartphones with Android 16 QPR1. Q3. When is Android 16 expected to be released and rolled out? Answer. Google plans to release Android 16 in June 2025, with smartphone manufacturers potentially rolling out updates by August. Samsung's early testing suggests a faster update process this time around. Also Read: Samsung's One UI 7 set to arrive in April with smarter AI features Also Read: Android 16 Beta 2 Update: New Camera Features, Eligible Devices, Release Timeline

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