We have barely had time to process Android 15, but now we have the start of the next OS development cycle. This raises the question: What do you want to see from Android 16?
Google confirmed last month that Android 16 is getting a shortened release cycle. In fact, it could be as soon as May 2025, which means a little less time in the oven. Does this matter? Well that remains to be seen. We have waited to see how Google is going to do more to integrate various AI services and functions into the core of Android. Maybe Gemini is going to play a bigger role.
However, the first developer preview for Android 16 hasn’t offered much in the way of insight into how that might work at this stage. This is the first phase of the development cycle after all, so changes are often minimal at best.
Since Android 12, we’ve seen mostly refinements and adjustments to existing structures, services, and common functions that have been in Android for a number of years. Some early looks at proposed features are great but a little disappointing thus far. Essentially, it looks like we’re going to see Google bring back features like a more organized Quick Settings panel—something that was lost during the big switch to the Material You era.
So far, in the Android 16 Developer Preview 1 we have some very small tweaks. A new Wi-Fi QR code sharing icon, updates to the Privacy Dashboard view, some display color tuning, and features that were tested during the Android 15 Developer Preview now functional. With the Android 16 Beta kicking off in January, we’re hoping for some more substantial changes.
We know it’s early but what do you want to see from Android 16 over the coming months? Have your say using the survey below. While it’s hard to accommodate every response, be sure to use the comments section to explain your position.
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