Android 16 launch LIVE – all the latest on The Android Show and more

Google lets the cat out of the bag early

One of the biggest leaks we've had came from Google itself.

It is alleged to have accidentally posted a blog on Android 16's new Material 3 Expressive design. The page was quickly withdrawn, but not before eagle-eyed journalists managed to grab some of the screens from it. The words were also archived online.

It will basically bring a bolder, clearer and more useful design language to your phone. We'll undoubtedly hear more about it during The Android Show, but it's great to see Google taking the OS in a new direction.

Watch The Android Show live

The Android Show: I/O Edition will start at 6pm BST / 10am PDT today and you can watch it right here on T3.

We don't yet know the runtime of the presentation, but it's likely we'll hear a lot about the new Material 3 Expressive design. We'll also hopefully find out when the final build of Android 16 will be available to Pixel phone owners.

Compatible Pixel handsets

Google is yet to detail which Pixel phones will support the final build of Android 16, but the latest beta release was compatible with Pixel 6 and above. So, if you have or are planning to buy a device from the Google Pixel 9 family, you can rest assured that it'll definitely run on the new software.

6 exciting features coming with Android 16 (hopefully)

Although Google is yet to confirm the new features coming with Android 16, we've already had a number of sneak peeks thanks to the beta builds that were made available. We've also had a few leaks in recent times.

That's how we've managed to put together our list of the 6 headline features you should look out for.

What will be left for Google I/O?

With Google opting to focus on Android early, it's right to wonder what will be left to talk about during I/O next week.

The event starts on Tuesday 20 May and we expect it to almost exclusively centre on Gemini. After all, the AI system is said to be replacing Google Assistant completely and soon – many will want to know what that will entail.

We'll be covering Google I/O in full too, so we'll let you know more on our expectations and the latest gossip closer the time.

Samsung next?

Samsung has never been one to rush its adoption of the latest Android, often delivering its own version under the One UI banner many months after Google.

However, a recent report suggested that One UI 8 has been spotted in the wild, even though some Samsung handsets haven't even got One UI 7 yet.

One UI 8 will likely be based on Android 16 and a user, Topraks9plus, posted on X that his Samsung Galaxy S25 seems to have already been updated with a beta version. It is thought that a test build which was destined for different handsets around the world was also accidentally pushed to his device. But who's complaining, eh?

Will a new Android Auto be announced too?

While we've heard a lot about the numerous "hidden" features in the next Android Auto update, we don't quite know when they'll arrive. Or if Google plans to include it in The Android Show today.

It might wait until I/O next week for additional announcements or details, but it's worth tuning into the show live to find out – especially if your car supports the platform.

Unlocking your Pixel's potential

One of the expected new features we've heard a bit about already is the ability to unlock your Pixel phone using your fingerprint when the screen is off. Many other Android handsets offer this already, but it's so far alluded Google's own devices.

The new unlock feature was found in one of the Android 16 betas, so is more than likely to make it into the final release too.

It's only a small thing, but could make a big difference to you on a daily basis if you have to use your phone a lot.

"It started in a beer hall"

One of the details revealed in Google's accidentally posted blog last week was that the new design language for Android 16 – Material 3 Expressive – was originally conceived in a "beer hall" in Munich.

A Google executive pondered the question: "Why were all these apps looking so similar? So boring? Wasn’t there room to dial up the feeling?"

Beer has a habit of doing that.

Hopefully though, it results in a better-looking Android experience. We'll find out very soon, as the event kicks off in less than 30 minutes. You can watch it right here.

The Android Show is go!

Sameer Samat, President of the Android ecosystem, is here to lead the video about the biggest news from the upcoming Android 16 launch.

Pixel, Oppo and Samsung shout-outs

Samat is bigging up not only Pixel, but also Oppo's thinnest foldable, the N5, and Samsung's latest, the S25 Edge. I've seen and reviewed both and can see why Google is praising the variety on offer.

'More personal'

The biggest personalised change is coming to Android 16, in what Google calls 'Material 3 Expressive'.

"The small stuff really matters". You'll see more animations, soft haptics and springy notifications/dismissals.

Material 3 Expressive also brings more updated colour schemes, plus expanded typography, to select a unique palette that you prefer. Something that's more personal.

First on Pixel later this year

Google's Pixel phones will get their updates first. Among which you can expect:

- A refined home screen grid

- More customisable quick settings

- Subtle blur of the background for depth – to stay in context when you're navigating

- Greater performance – thanks to behind-the-scenes processing intelligence

WearOS 6 update

It's not only Android for phone and tablets, Google's wearable products will be getting an update too, with WearOS 6 update bringing improved visuals and better battery life.

Gemini, ai, ai – for phones, wearables, TVs and vehicles

As predicted, it's now all about Gemini – Google's AI assistant. Y'know, the one that's killed Google Assistant quietly.

Gemini no longer just identifies a static screen, it can observe continuously, for on-screen changes through camera, scrolling and more.

There's more coming beyond just phone, too. Gemini is coming to WearOS, Android Auto and TV too.

Android XR

Google and Samsung have been collaborating on Android XR, the augmented reality platform, which will also benefit from Gemini Live.

There'll be more info on that at Google I/O next week, Tuesday 20 May. So we'll stay tuned for that.

Find My becomes Find Hub

Growing upon Google's spam prevention in calls and messages, whilst trying to have a bit of a dig at Apple, Google is bigging up its location services.

The current Find My feature will now evolve into Find Hub, changing the name and breadth of functionality to include tie-ins with location devices from Chipolo and more.

Google I/O for more

That's all for now! Google I/O will reveal more about Android XR come 20 May. I'm pretty sure that'll cover Android XR in greater depth, too, potentially with a wider range of devices...