Android 16 to improve battery life and add better face unlock for more devices

Android 16 is shaping up to bring two important updates — better battery life and wider support for face unlock features.

First, Google is working on solving a problem that drains phone batteries. Some apps keep the device “awake” even when not in use, using something called “wake locks.” This keeps the phone from sleeping, which uses more battery. With Android 16, Google will limit how long apps can use these wake locks. If an app keeps the phone awake for too long, Android will end the wake lock to save power. This will especially help on phones with large batteries that should last longer.

Second, Android 16 will also expand its face unlock system to more devices. Until now, strong face recognition — the kind that works well for unlocking phones or making payments — was mostly limited to high-end phones like the Pixel 8 Pro. With the new update, Google plans to let more Pixel models use this secure face unlock feature. This includes checks like skin tone and head position to ensure the right person is unlocking the phone. It might even work on other Android phones in the future.

In short, Android 16 will help your phone last longer on a charge and make unlocking your phone easier and more secure, even if you don’t have the most expensive device.