Motorola First to Deploy Android 16 But Key Features Missing from Changelog

Motorola has begun deploying the stable Android 16 update to select devices, with the Edge 60 Pro in Brazil and Edge 50 Fusion in Mexico becoming the first models to receive the major operating system upgrade.

After months of beta testing that began in June, the stable release marks Motorola as one of the early manufacturers to deliver Android 16, though the initial rollout remains geographically limited.

The Motorola Edge 60 Pro in Brazil is receiving firmware version W1VV36H.7-21-5 with a 2GB download size, while the Edge 50 Fusion in Mexico gets firmware version W1UU36H.21-14-3 requiring a 1.54GB download.

Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > Advanced > System updates and tapping “Check for updates.”

The regional rollout is expected to expand to other markets in the coming weeks.

According to the official changelog, Android 16 brings enhanced customisation features, a more expressive design, improved transparency for background activities, protection against malicious apps, and better compatibility with LE audio devices.

However, the changelog notably omits many flagship Android 16 features announced by Google, including:

• Live Updates for tracking ongoing activities without opening apps
• Intelligent notification grouping
• Embedded photo picker
• Predictive back upgrades
• HDR screenshot support
• New emojis

It remains unclear whether these features are included but undocumented, or if Motorola has opted for a more conservative implementation of Android 16.

While the Edge 60 Pro and Edge 50 Fusion aren’t officially sold in Australia, the update timeline provides insight for local Motorola users.

The Edge 50 Pro and Edge 50 Neo, available in Australia for approximately $999 and $699 respectively, will likely receive Android 16 based on Motorola’s typical update patterns.

Motorola’s swift Android 16 deployment contrasts with many manufacturers who typically take 3-6 months after Google’s release to deliver major updates.

This positions Motorola competitively against Samsung and OnePlus in the mid-range segment where update speed increasingly influences purchasing decisions.

Motorola’s extensive beta testing program, running since June, appears to have facilitated this early stable release.

The company expanded beta availability across multiple models over recent months, allowing broader user feedback before the stable rollout.

This approach mirrors strategies from OnePlus and Nothing, which have similarly used public beta programs to accelerate major Android updates while maintaining stability.

For current Motorola users, the Android 16 rollout signals improved update commitment from the brand, historically criticised for slow Android updates outside flagship models.

The Edge 60 Pro and Edge 50 Fusion receiving updates ahead of many premium devices from competitors demonstrates Motorola’s evolving software strategy.

However, the apparent absence of several Android 16 features raises questions about the completeness of Motorola’s implementation.

Users expecting full feature parity with Google Pixel devices may need to temper expectations or await clarification from Motorola about missing functionality.

The regional staggered rollout means most users will need patience, with global availability likely extending into early 2026 based on typical Motorola update patterns.