Apple may have just announced iOS 26, but Google wants to steal its thunder by launching Android 16 less than 48 hours later. Android 16 will be available on select phones later today.

The Android Developers account on X has shared an update saying it’s coming soon. In the post sent out at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT on June 9, it says, “It’s almost time for the Android 16 final release! See you back here tomorrow.”

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It comes with a winky face, which may be in acknowledgement of the brand making a big splash while its biggest rival is mid-way through 2025’s WWDC. Normally, Android lands in September, which is when iOS 26 is expected to be available.

Google is mixing things up for 2025 and launching its update almost three months faster. The Android team has been able to do so as it moved to a new process called Trunk Stable Development.

Sameer Samat, Google’s President of the Android ecosystem, told Android Police earlier this year that moving to this new system allowed its developers to consistently work on problems and challenges throughout development. It allows the team to avoid intensive bug fixing for the last few months of development.

The Android team set a goal of releasing its software earlier in the year because of this change. While Android 16 is launching earlier, it will remain limited to the company’s Pixel devices for now with other third-party handsets expected to get the software at a later date. The Pixel 6 and beyond will all get the update to Android 16.

If you own a Samsung phone, or a handset from another third-party manufacturer, you may get Android 16 software, but it’ll take longer to arrive on your phone than it does for Pixel handsets. PCMag’s sister site Mashable has put together a list of devices it expects to get Android 16.

It’s unclear what time of day the update will land, but Android updates often roll out around 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET so it should land on Pixel phones very soon.

Android 16 brings with it new design changes allowing you to use even more personalized colors and fonts than previously. Other features include a revamped Quick Settings menu, Live Updates from various apps to keep you abreast of changes, and further changes to the lock screen to make it even more customizable.

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About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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