Google is most likely to showcase the new features and capabilities of Android 16 on May 13 at The Android Show: I/O Edition, ahead of its developer conference. A report published by Android Authority on Wednesday highlights some of the hidden UI changes in Android 16 that Google has kept under wraps.
The report includes several new UI elements expected to be introduced in Android 16, possibly at a later date. These include improved background blur effects, new status bar icons, a redesigned and highly customisable notification and quick settings panel, an enhanced lock screen, a new volume panel UI, a new PIN lock UI, and a revamped settings panel.
Android 16 hidden UI updates. (Image credit: Android Authority)
Although these features are already part of the fourth Android 16 beta release, they have been disabled by default. The first stable build of Android 16 may not include these capabilities and could introduce them in subsequent quarterly releases.
At present, the overall look and feel of Android 16 remains almost identical to Android 15. However, this new discovery suggests that the upcoming Android update includes a number of new features that Google may unveil in a grand way, possibly during The Android Show: I/O Edition.
Last year, Android 15 arrived a bit late. In fact, the Google Pixel 9 series shipped with Android 14 at launch. This year, the upcoming Google Pixel 10 series is expected to debut with Android 16 when it launches in the second half of 2025. Besides the Google Pixel lineup, Android 16 beta is already available for a variety of devices, including the OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, vivo X200, and more. However, the stable Android 16 for these devices will have a different look and feel.
is worth noting that even when Google rolls out these features, they are likely to be limited to Pixel and select smartphones running stock Android. Most devices from top smartphone brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo will ship with their own custom skins on top.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
