Google has introduced several enhancements to Android 16, focusing on design, security, and performance improvements. These updates aim to enhance user experience across the operating system and Google apps.
Design and Usability Enhancements
Material 3 Expressive, a key feature of Android 16, offers new colors, icon shapes, typography, and animations. While these changes aim to create a more vibrant and cohesive look, some users have noted inconsistencies in icon sizes and design elements.
Security and Protection Features
Advanced Protection Mode is a new opt-in security feature designed for at-risk users. It restricts app installations to the Play Store, enforces automatic Play Protect scans, blocks sideloading, and adds spam link protection. Additionally, it restricts access to low-security networks, enhancing overall device security.
Performance and File Sharing Improvements
Android 16 continues support for 16 KB page sizes, initially introduced in Android 15. This allows apps to use larger memory pages, reducing CPU demand and power usage, which improves app launch speeds, boot times, and camera startup. A 4 KB compatibility mode remains for legacy apps.
The Quick Share feature has been redesigned into a full-screen experience with separate Receive and Send tabs, a built-in file picker, previews, and a progress indicator. This update, distributed via Google Play services, is widely available across devices.
