Android 16's AI upgrade set to leave Apple Intelligence playing catch up — here's what we know about the possible Gemini enhancements

android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
(Image credit: Future/Google)

The first developer preview for Android 16 rolled out last month, and we've now learned it could change how Google Gemini works on your phone.

We've heard a lot about Android 16 in recent months, primarily regarding its shockingly early release date. There have also been reports regarding possible features, including a change to how we use our phones in the dark. However, a recent APK teardown from Android Authority has revealed what might be the biggest change yet regarding Gemini's access to other apps and how we use the AI.

Previously, lines of code found in the update indicated that Gemini could soon set reminders through an extension. But deeper digging has revealed that isn't the only possible extension applied in the update. In the code, Android Authority's APK found several extensions that link to several key apps on their Samsung test device, giving Gemini unparalleled access.

Google Gemini logo on phone with Google logo in background

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The list of possible extensions and features is pretty broad and covers a lot of the main functions of a phone. For instance, Gemini could capture images through the Android camera app, while also creating and finding website bookmarks through the browser. Not only that, it seems that Gemini can link to the Calendar app to create and find events and use a map extension to find routes and location information.

Gemini being given access to more apps is interesting, and would help to set it as the central hub for all a device's features. This change will be improved by the recent release of Gemini Live to Android users, which helps to make conversation with the AI feel seamless. It should also be a concern for Apple, which are still working to release many of the Apple Intelligence features promised during Apple's Glowtime event, including Personal Context, which could offer similar versatility to the alleged Android 16 feature.

It should be noted that features found in an APK aren't always completed, so we will only know for sure when Android 16 releases. However, we can be sure that the update will offer improvements large and small to many of the current best Android phones.

More from Tom's Guide

Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

Read more
Gemini logo shown on a phone's screen.
New leak reveals what Gemini could do on the Galaxy S25 — should Samsung be worried?
Gemini logo
Google's Gemini 2.0 update will supercharge your phone — 3 changes to try first
The new Gemini app home page vs the old
Forget ChatGPT — Google Gemini can now see the world with live video and screen-sharing
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta just arrived — here are all the new features
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on
5 biggest Android upgrades for the Galaxy S25 — Now Bar, improved Circle to Search and more
Samsung Galaxy S25 render
Samsung Galaxy S25 could come with this great AI freebie for millions
Latest in Android Phones
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Genshin Impact on a OnePlus Nord 4
Genshin Impact on Android finally adds controller support — 4 years after iOS
Google Play logo on an android smartphone with corner hole punch camera
At least 5 North Korean spy apps have been found on Google Play — what you need to know
The camera assembly on the Google Pixel 9
The latest Google Pixel update is breaking fingerprint scanners — but there may be a fix
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a will have to fix one crucial thing to hold off its low-cost rivals
Latest in News
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
A photo of Apple CarPly in use
Apple CarPlay just got a welcome upgrade in iOS 18.4 — what you need to know
the Orbea Denna on a gravel track
Orbea's new e-bike is designed to tackle both road and gravel — and you can build your own
An off-white pillow opened up halfway with the latex and fiber filling spilling outside
Coop Sleep Goods launches new Adjustable Latex Pillow — and it's 20% off for Sleep Week
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how