Android 16 Is Rolling Out And You Don’t Have To Wait

A stable build of Android 16 has been announced and released by Google today. The update is already rolling out to Pixel phone users, but if you don’t want to wait, you can download files manually and sideload Android 16 on your device.

You can install Android 16 manually, if you don’t want to wait for the update

In other words, OTA files and factory images are now available for those of you who know what you’re doing. Not everyone is ready to wait for Google to push the update their way, due to the staged nature of the rollout.

What’s the difference between OTA files and factory images? Well, if you’re not well-informed about them, chances are you should wait for the OTA update to land on your phone, or read up really well about both.

Do note that one of these two options will wipe all data from your device

In short, those are two ways you can install the update manually on your device. Installing it via a factory image will wipe everything from your phone and provide you with a fresh start with Android 16. Yes, you’ll lose all your data in the process.

Installing manually via an OTA file installs Android 16 without wiping the current version of Android on your phone, presuming you’re installing from Android 15 stable, of course. Just make sure to get the right file for your phone; that goes for both factory images and OTA files, actually.

Android 16 has plenty to offer, but not Material 3 Expressive design… not yet

Android 16 brings a number of new features to the table, though not the Material 3 Expressive design. That update will land later this year at some point, the company has confirmed.

In any case, Android 16 does bring some new notification chances, including an equivalent to OnePlus’ Live Alerts, kind of. If you have a food delivery incoming, for example, your phone will be able to keep you up to date with notification cards. That way, you won’t have to open the app all the time.

Advanced Protection has also been added. It is “Google’s strongest mobile device protection.” A one-stop shop for your security needs, essentially. It will enable an array of robust device security features.

Google has also enhanced productivity on tablets and more. While Material 3 Expressive may not be here yet, plenty of other changes are.