5 extremely useful new features on Android 16 you shouldn't miss

Android 16 is just around the corner, and Google has started to reveal the first details about its latest operating system. From official announcements to leaked details from Google itself, the overall picture of Android 16 is gradually becoming clear.

In this article, we will review 5 new features that have been confirmed, although not widely publicized in the media, but are of great significance, especially in the field of security, a top priority of Google in this update.

1.Automatically hide sensitive notifications on the lock screen

One of the small but notable new security features on Android 16 is the ability to automatically hide sensitive notifications on the lock screen, especially one-time authentication codes (OTP), which are often sent via text messages or apps to verify logins.

Instead of being displayed publicly as before, these notifications only appear when the device is unlocked, helping to limit the risk of information being exposed if the phone falls into the hands of strangers. This is a clear improvement in the context of increasingly sophisticated financial fraud and account hijacking.

However, the system does not apply this feature rigidly. Android 16 uses smart context algorithms to determine when to hide notifications.

For example, if the device is not connected to Wi-Fi or hasn't been unlocked in a while, the system will assess this as a high-risk situation, possibly due to loss or theft, and automatically mask important notifications.

With this feature, Google is continuing to affirm its direction of prioritizing user privacy, not only through new security layers but also through enhanced contextual awareness in the operating system.

2.Enhance call security, block remote scams

As scams become more sophisticated and unpredictable, Android 16 is adding an important layer of defense: call security. This is an effort to prevent scams from exploiting users' gullibility to remotely take control of devices.

Specifically, Android 16 will block any changes related to accessibility permissions or installation of unknown applications while making a call. These are two permissions that bad guys often trick users into enabling, for example, by pretending to be technical staff, asking to install software or granting control of the device to "support troubleshooting".

Limiting access during sensitive times like phone calls would add a technical barrier, helping users avoid being manipulated when they are off guard. This is considered a practical step by Google to deal with increasingly common forms of fraud, especially through fake calls.

3.Quick Settings panel: more flexible, intuitive and convenient

Not only focusing on security, Android 16 also brings improvements to the user interface, notably the redesigned Quick Settings panel to enhance the daily user experience.

In the new version, the Quick Settings tiles become more flexible with the ability to change size, accompanied by smoother animations when users interact. This is a step forward to help Android get closer to the "dynamic interface" experience that manufacturers are pursuing.

Although Google has not officially announced it, experts from Android Authority have discovered that in the beta, users can turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on or off with just a tap, instead of having to open an additional menu like before. This shows that Google is listening to feedback and prioritizing the most frequently used features.

Overall, the Quick Settings panel on Android 16 has been refreshed to be more customizable, easier to use, and more intuitive, giving users a modern and convenient feel, whether it's controlling connectivity, airplane mode, or adjusting screen brightness.

4.Enhanced ability to detect malicious applications directly on the device

Android 16 continues to upgrade the ability to protect users from potential malware threats, with a series of detection mechanisms processed directly on the device, without relying on cloud servers.

Specifically, the new operating system will integrate a set of smart rules that analyze text patterns and application binary code, thereby quickly identifying suspicious behaviors or signs related to known malware families. If risks are detected, the system will warn users before installing the application, minimizing the risk of early intrusion.

Not stopping there, Android 16 also adds a mechanism to detect applications that arbitrarily change their icons, a common trick that malware uses to hide after being installed. Warning users when an application icon has changed abnormally will help them easily control, identify and remove dangerous applications.

These improvements clearly demonstrate Google's direction in bringing security to the operating system level, using AI and context analysis right on the device to protect users in real time.

5.Enhanced Remote Lock protection with new layer of verification

The Remote Lock feature that allows users to remotely lock their devices via their Google account will become more secure on Android 16, thanks to the addition of a security question option before performing the lock operation.

Remote locking is a useful tool in case your phone is lost or stolen, allowing you to quickly prevent unauthorized access. However, in previous versions, if someone had access to a browser that was logged into your Google account, they could lock your phone simply by entering your phone number, a potential vulnerability if the account was compromised.

Android 16 addresses this risk by requiring an additional verification step via security questions, helping to ensure that only the real owner can use the remote lock feature.

While exploits are uncommon, adding this layer of authentication significantly reduces the risk of abuse, especially in situations where a Google account is accessed without authorization.

It's a small but important move that demonstrates how Android 16 is reinforcing users' control over their devices, even when they're no longer holding them in their hands.