What new AI features are in the Android 16 update?

The Android 16 update uses AI to summarize long notifications and categorize alerts like news and promotions.

Can I customize app icons on Android 16?

Yes, Android 16 now includes integrated functionality to theme app icons, allowing for greater home screen personalization.

How does Google improve the Phone app in Android 16?

Android 16 allows users to mark outgoing calls as 'urgent,' signaling to the recipient the call's importance.

Home / Technology / Android 16 Gets AI Smarts & Cool New Features

Android 16 Gets AI Smarts & Cool New Features

3 Dec, 2025

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Summary

AI summarizes long notifications and categorizes incoming alerts.
New features include themed icons and an urgent call marker.
Enhanced parental controls and improved Gboard dictation arrive.

Android 16 Gets AI Smarts & Cool New Features

Google has rolled out a substantial update to Android 16, injecting fresh features months after its initial release. This mid-cycle refresh heavily leverages AI, with Gemini powering new notification summarization and categorization tools. Users can now expect AI-generated summaries of lengthy messages and distinct categories for alerts like news and promotions, streamlining notification management.

The update also focuses on personalization and user experience. The ability to theme app icons, a long-requested feature, is now integrated, allowing for greater home screen customization. Additionally, Google's Phone app gains an 'urgent call' marker to signify important incoming calls. Parental controls in the Settings menu have been expanded, offering more granular control over screen time and app usage.

Further enhancements include improved Gboard functionality with Smart Dictation and a gesture to activate voice input. Google Messages receives a feature to easily exit unwanted group chats. The Emoji Kitchen expands its sticker combinations, and Chrome now supports pinned tabs on mobile. These updates collectively aim to make Android 16 a more intelligent, personalized, and user-friendly operating system.