Google released Android 16 in June this year, far earlier than everyone expected. It’s packed with all sorts of new features and visual changes, and its early arrival means your Moto should get Android 16 faster than usual, too. Now that the software is here and betas are starting to roll out, here’s what Motorola owners can expect.
While Motorola is still busy pushing out last year’s Android 15 update to many of its phones, that doesn’t mean users can’t start looking ahead to what’s coming next. Considering Google’s been testing Android 16 since January, and brands like Samsung and OnePlus have already opened beta programs to the public, Motorola shouldn’t be too far behind.
With that in mind, here’s what we know about Moto’s beta program, which Motorola devices will get Android 16 and when.
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When Will Motorola Release Android 16?
Motorola
Whether you have a fancy Motorola Edge 50 Pro, a folding Razr, or a budget-friendly Moto G, you’re likely looking forward to the next version of Android. Unfortunately, Motorola is a bit slower than many other manufacturers regarding updates, but good things come to those who wait.
Motorola has already begun inviting participants in select regions to try Android 16, but these are extremely limited betas to a very small user base and only for specific phones.
Unfortunately, Motorola doesn’t offer a full public beta of future software upgrades like many competitors do, and it doesn’t communicate very well. That said, the company does have a Current Testing Opportunities page on its forum where it’ll list specific models with available Android 16 betas.
As usual, the million-dollar question is when your Moto will actually get the update. Motorola isn’t ready to share an exact date yet, but it did post a detailed list of which devices should get Android 16, which we’ll list below. For now, just know that beta testing is ongoing in a limited fashion, and based on previous years, we’re expecting the first official updates to start sometime in September or October at the earliest.
All the Motorola Phones That Will Get Android 16
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | Motorola
As usual, we don’t know when Motorola will release the update, but at least we know which devices will get Hello UI based on Android 16. Most manufacturers aren’t discussing specifics yet, but Motorola has already confirmed that several of its devices will get it soon. After digging through Motorola’s security update web page for dozens of phones, here’s the confirmed list.
Moto Razr Phones:
- Motorola Razr 2025, Razr+ 2025, Razr Ultra 2025
- Motorola Razr+ 2024
- Motorola Razr 60, Razr 60 Ultra
- Motorola Razr 50, Razr 50 Ultra
Moto Edge Phones:
- Motorola Edge 2025
- Motorola Edge 60, Edge 60 Pro, Edge 60 Fusion, Edge 60 Stylus
- Motorola Edge 50, Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Neo, Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Ultra
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro
Moto G Phones:
- Moto G 2025, Moto G Power 2025, Moto G Stylus 2025
- Moto G86, G86 Power
- Moto G55, G56, G75, G85
- Lenovo ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola
Note that several popular and relatively new devices are missing, especially mid-range options, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t get the update. Some of those include the entire Moto Razr series from 2023, which are barely two years old. We do not see the Moto Razr 2024 on the list, not to mention budget phones like the G15 or G35.
However, the 2024 Moto Razr, which is barely a year old at this point, will likely get Android 16. The company isn’t known for its software updates these days, but it’d be a bad move to forget that model.
It’s worth noting that the phones detailed above are the models with Android 16 mentioned on their “security updates” page, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only phones getting Android 16. If you don’t see your relatively new Motorola on this list, don’t worry quite yet. We assume that more devices will be added throughout the summer.
What to Expect From Hello UI and Android 16?
Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek
Google’s big Android 16 update has plenty to offer, even if some new goodies aren’t in the initial update. For now, it’s still missing the big Material 3 Expressive interface changes, and Google’s live updates and desktop windowing for tablets aren’t in the current build, either.
Motorola’s software experience, Hello UI, will be based on Android 16. While we’re not sure exactly what the manufacturer will include in its personalized interface, it should have most of the best new features. Some of those include a range of security improvements, usability enhancements, and new features for larger screens and foldables.
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Motorola users can also expect the fancy new real-time notification system, upgraded RCS group chats with Google Messages, a redesigned volume slider, split quick settings and notifications panels, and much more. The update to Android 16 is a big one, even if it doesn’t look like it at first glance.
Reports suggest Google’s biggest Android 16 changes will arrive sometime in September. If so, it’ll likely delay the official release for manufacturers like Motorola. As a result, for now, all we can do is wait and see.
In closing, just know that since Google has already released the base version of Android 16, Motorola will start rapidly progressing towards a global launch. The company will continue testing updates for specific phones and eventually start its official rollout.
As we learn more, we’ll update our list with models, timelines, and expectations. And finally, remember that the arrival of Android 16 will come in waves for each phone model and region. Then, models from U.S. carriers will likely be even slower. Just because you see a Moto Edge 50 Pro getting Android 16 in one region doesn’t mean you’ll get it that same week. Be patient, watch for updates, and stay tuned for the next big version of Android for your Motorola.
