Google has officially announced that Android 16 will expand its “Live Updates” feature to non-Pixel smartphones, marking a significant step toward faster and more seamless software upgrades across the Android ecosystem.
What Are Live Updates?
Introduced with Android 15’s Virtual A/B partitions, Live Updates allow users to install system updates in the background while continuing to use their phones. Once the update is ready, a quick restart applies the changes—eliminating long installation screens.
Currently, this feature is exclusive to Google Pixel devices, but with Android 16, Google plans to make it available to third-party manufacturers, reducing fragmentation and improving update efficiency.
Why This Matters
- Faster updates: No more waiting for installations—updates happen seamlessly in the background.
- Broader compatibility: More Android brands can adopt the feature, improving user experience.
- Reduced fragmentation: Encourages manufacturers to deliver timely updates by simplifying the process.
Challenges & Adoption
While Google is enabling the feature, its implementation depends on OEM support. Manufacturers must optimize their software to work with Virtual A/B partitions, meaning not all devices may get Live Updates immediately.
Looking Ahead
Android 16 is expected to debut in 2025, with Live Updates being a key highlight. If widely adopted, this could finally help Android close the gap with iOS in terms of update efficiency.