This week was packed with major Android news, from the official release of the next core version, Android 16, to exciting peeks at upcoming phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 and Google’s Pixel 10. Plus, there’s big news for Nothing fans in North America and a handy update for your Gboard keyboard. Let’s dive into the highlights you need to know.
Contents
Android 16 is Here
Google has officially rolled out the latest version of its mobile operating system, Android 16. A key focus this time around is making your phone’s notifications smarter and the whole system more accessible.
One cool new feature is “live updates” in notifications. Imagine waiting for a food delivery or a ride-share – instead of constantly opening the app, you’ll see real-time progress directly in your notifications. This aims to cut down on constantly checking apps and make important information more dynamic. Google is working with partners like food delivery and ride-share services to bring this feature to life, including on custom interfaces like Samsung’s Now Bar and OPPO/OnePlus’s Live Alerts.
Android 16 logo displayed on a smartphone screen
Get Ready for a New Look: Material 3 Expressive
While Android 16 is rolling out now, a major visual refresh called Material 3 Expressive isn’t quite ready yet. Think of it as a big design update that will give Android a fresh, new feel.
According to reports, this new design language is set to launch later this year, likely arriving with the Android 16 QPR1 update around September 3, 2025. This timing suggests that Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro phones will probably be the first devices you can buy that come with this vibrant new look right out of the box.
Sneak Peek: The Next Galaxy Z Fold is Coming
Samsung is building excitement for its next foldable phone. They’ve started teasing the upcoming Galaxy Z series, hinting at a device that will be “thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet.”
Adding fuel to the fire, documents filed with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the US have revealed some key specs. Crucially, these filings confirm what many hoped for: the international version of the phone, expected to be called the Galaxy Z Fold7, will be powered by a top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (specifically, the SM8750, also known as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4). This means users can anticipate excellent performance and efficiency.
Pixel 10 Might Get a Colorful Makeover
Beyond software, Google’s Pixel phones are rumored to be getting a significant design change, specifically regarding color options. While details on the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro’s internal upgrades are always interesting, the colors are often the first thing people notice.
Reports suggest that the familiar “Obsidian” (almost black) and “Porcelain” (almost white) colors we’ve seen on recent Pixels might be replaced with entirely new hues. This could mean the Pixel 10 family launches with a fresh, more fashion-forward palette, aiming to stand out in a competitive smartphone market where even small details like color can influence buying decisions.
A Big Change for the Foundation of Android (and Developers)
Google has made a significant technical change to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). AOSP is essentially the underlying code that forms the basis of the Android operating system. Historically, AOSP used Pixel phone hardware as its main reference point, making it easier for developers (especially those working on custom Android versions like LineageOS or GrapheneOS) to build and test their software on physical Pixel devices.
Now, Google is shifting AOSP’s reference target to Cuttlefish, which is a virtual machine instead of physical hardware. This change makes the process more challenging for hobbyists and custom ROM developers who want to adapt AOSP for Pixel phones, as they will need to put in more work to create the necessary software support for the hardware.
Nothing Phone (3) Expands in North America
Good news for tech fans in the US and Canada! Nothing Tech, known for its unique transparent designs and Glyph Interface lights, is expanding its presence in North America.
The company recently announced that its upcoming flagship phone, the Nothing Phone (3), will be more widely available. It will be sold directly through Nothing’s website and Amazon in the US, with support for major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. In Canada, Nothing is partnering exclusively with Best Buy. This move makes it much easier for customers in these regions to buy and use Nothing’s latest smartphone.
Gboard Gets a Handier Emoji Picker
While not a core Android update, a small but practical improvement is rolling out to Gboard, Google’s popular keyboard app. The interface for selecting emojis, GIFs, and stickers is getting a redesign.
The updated layout makes it quicker and easier to switch between emojis, GIFs, stickers, and emoticons thanks to a new navigation bar at the bottom. Although the new buttons might stretch across the screen, the overall aim is to streamline how you find and use those fun visual elements in your messages. This update, which was previously in beta, is now becoming available for all stable Gboard users on Android.
That wraps up a busy week in the world of Android. From core system updates and design changes to new hardware teases and market expansions, there’s plenty happening. Stay tuned for more details on these developments as they unfold!
