Asus has officially started rolling out the stable Android 16 update for two of its popular devices—the Zenfone 12 Ultra and the ROG Phone 9. After months of beta testing, users can finally experience the polished version of Android 16 with several improvements, fixes, and enhanced system features.
Back in August, Asus opened the Android 16 beta program for the Zenfone 12 Ultra, inviting early adopters to test the upcoming software. Now, nearly three months later, the company has begun delivering the finalized update. What makes this rollout even more exciting is that it’s not exclusive to the Zenfone 12 Ultra—ROG Phone 9 users are also receiving the same enhanced software experience.
The update carries the version number 36.0810.1810.43, with a download size exceeding 1GB. Given its size and scope, users can expect a meaningful upgrade across system performance, usability, and gaming optimizations.
One of the key changes in the Android 16 rollout is the refinement of system navigation. Asus has made subtle but effective adjustments to ensure smoother transitions and more intuitive movement between apps and menus. These interface tweaks bring the software experience more in line with modern Android expectations.
As part of the usability improvements, users can now long-press the power button to launch the digital assistant. This adds a more convenient way to access voice commands without relying solely on gesture navigation or icons.
For users who frequently record gameplay, tutorials, or app walkthroughs, Asus has introduced a skip countdown button in screen recording. This small but meaningful addition helps streamline the recording process and saves time during quick captures.
Another notable improvement is the fix for a recurring issue where certain users experienced no sound during calls when using Bluetooth headsets. With this update, the audio bug has been resolved, leading to more reliable Bluetooth calling performance.
The ROG Phone 9, being a gaming-first device, receives several specialized enhancements:
These updates ensure the ROG Phone 9 maintains its edge as one of the most optimized gaming smartphones on the market.
Like all major updates, Android 16 for both devices is rolling out in batches. This means not everyone will receive the update notification at the same time. Depending on region and model variant, it may take a few days to several weeks before the update reaches all eligible devices.
Users can manually check for the update through: Settings > System > System Updates
Asus has also cautioned that some third-party apps may not yet be fully compatible with Android 16. This is common during early software releases, and developers typically issue compatibility patches in the weeks following major OS launches.
The Android 16 update for the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra and ROG Phone 9 brings a polished, stable, and feature-rich experience to users. From smoother navigation and improved usability to gaming-centric upgrades on the ROG Phone 9, this update ensures both devices stay up to date and competitive.
While the rollout may take some time to reach every unit, this update marks a significant milestone for Asus users looking forward to the latest software enhancements.
Comments