Motorola has officially begun rolling out Android 16 to several of its smartphones, marking one of its fastest major updates in recent years. The update comes just months after Google’s own Pixel lineup received Android 16 on June 10th – a date that usually sets the benchmark for other manufacturers. 
In the fragmented Android ecosystem, where different companies customize and release updates at their own pace, Motorola’s relatively early rollout this year signals a renewed push to modernize its update strategy and rebuild trust with users who have long criticized its slow software delivery cycle.
Traditionally, Motorola lagged behind rivals like Samsung and Google when it came to keeping its phones current. Many Motorola owners had to wait half a year or more for the latest version of Android. But this year’s earlier release of Android 16 for models such as the Edge 60 Pro, Edge 60 Fusion, and Edge 50 Pro suggests the company is taking a more proactive approach. Motorola has framed the move as part of a broader effort to ‘reaffirm its commitment to timely software updates.’
One of the biggest shifts in Motorola’s strategy has been its newfound emphasis on long-term software support. Historically, Motorola offered two to three major Android system updates for its flagship and Edge series phones, with three to four years of security patches – respectable, but still short of what leading brands provide. Samsung and Google, for instance, promise between four and seven years of updates for their premium devices. To stay competitive, Motorola has begun extending that window significantly. The Edge 50 Neo, while not a flagship, now guarantees five years of Android OS and security updates. This commitment positions the Edge 50 Neo as a standout among mid-range phones, rivaling even higher-end competitors in terms of longevity. Meanwhile, Motorola’s G-series midrange devices continue to receive one to two major Android updates.
Android 16 on Motorola devices introduces a number of user-focused features designed to make the experience smoother and more connected. The update is described as being centered around ‘simplicity, security, and connectivity.’ Among its most useful additions is Notification Auto Grouping, which automatically organizes notifications from the same app that arrive in quick succession. This feature significantly reduces clutter, creating a cleaner and more manageable notification shade. Another welcome addition is Instant Hotspot, which allows users to activate their phone’s hotspot directly from an Android tablet or Chromebook signed into the same Google account – eliminating the need to dig through settings manually.
Android 16 also enhances transparency around battery performance and hardware health. Motorola users can now access expanded battery data to monitor details like battery health, charge cycles, and component performance. The update even includes new diagnostic tools and hardware monitoring capabilities that help users identify potential issues early, ensuring their phones continue running efficiently over time. These features reflect a broader industry shift toward giving users more control and insight into their devices – something Motorola appears eager to embrace.
Beyond the software itself, the update rollout underscores Motorola’s effort to strengthen its global market presence. As of the most recent quarter, Motorola holds a 4.29% share of the U.S. smartphone market, trailing behind Apple (55.67%), Samsung (22.46%), and Google (5.16%). On the global stage, Lenovo-Motorola commands about 5% of the market, ranking eighth worldwide. Its strongest growth has come from Asia-Pacific regions, especially India, where affordable yet capable models like the Edge and G-series have found loyal audiences.
Motorola’s premium lines – including the Edge and the foldable Razr series – have played a crucial role in this resurgence. As of the second quarter of 2025, the Razr series accounted for a remarkable 28% of the global foldable phone market, propelling Motorola into second place worldwide, ahead of Samsung and just behind Huawei. This represents a year-over-year doubling of its foldable market share – a significant turnaround for a brand once seen as lagging behind innovation leaders.
For long-time Android fans, Motorola’s renewed focus on software and innovation carries a certain nostalgia. Back in 2009, the original DROID – the first phone to ship with Android 2.0 Eclair – was hailed as the iPhone’s first true challenger and marked the start of Motorola’s golden era in the Android ecosystem. Devices like the DROID X and RAZR became household names. Over time, however, Motorola’s prominence faded as it struggled with inconsistent product strategies and slower updates. Now, by improving both its update speed and its support policy, Motorola appears determined to rebuild that legacy.
Faster Android updates, coupled with a genuine commitment to longevity and system reliability, could prove key to Motorola’s ongoing revival. As Android 16 continues its rollout to more Motorola devices in the coming weeks, users can expect not only fresher features but also a signal that Motorola is finally ready to compete head-to-head with the industry’s biggest names once again.