ASUS Launches Android 16 Update for ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra

ASUS has officially rolled out the stable Android 16 update for its ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra, concluding a three-month beta testing phase. This significant upgrade, identified by the build number 36.0810.1810.43, introduces a series of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience.

The Android 16 update has a download size of approximately 1GB. According to an ASUS community post, the update is being released in stages, which means it may take several days for all users to receive it. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings > System updates.

Key Features of the Update

Among the notable improvements included in the Android 16 update are adjustments to system navigation settings. The update allows users to activate the Predictive Back animation through either the back gesture or by long-pressing the back button. Additionally, a new skip countdown button has been added to the screen recording feature, enhancing usability.

Furthermore, advanced settings will now feature a power button option that enables quick access to the digital assistant with a long press. The update also addresses audio issues, notably fixing a problem where users experienced no sound during calls when using Bluetooth headsets.

For ROG Phone 9 users, the Android 16 update enhances gaming capabilities by introducing updated game profiles, AirProfile profiles, and Macro profiles in the ROG Instant Master. It is important to note that some third-party applications may not yet be compatible with Android 16, which could affect certain functionalities.

Recommendations for Users

Before initiating the update, ASUS advises users to back up their data to prevent any potential loss. Although the company has not detailed every aspect of the update, it is expected to improve overall device performance.

As the rollout continues, users of the ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra can look forward to a refreshed experience with the latest Android operating system.