Attention all Asus ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra users! Get ready for an exciting upgrade that will revolutionize your device experience. The long-awaited Android 16 update is finally here, bringing a host of improvements and bug fixes to your beloved smartphones.
But here's where it gets controversial... Asus has been a bit behind the curve when it comes to updating its flagship devices. These phones launched with Android 15 in late 2024 and early 2025, respectively, and have been patiently waiting for their turn to shine with the latest Android version. Google released Android 16 in June 2025, and it's about time these devices got their share of the spotlight.
After a five-month wait, the Android 16 update is finally rolling out to Asus ROG Phone 9 and Zenfone 12 Ultra users. With a version number of 36.0810.1810.43, this update is a significant milestone for these devices. Each update is approximately 1GB in size, and it's packed with various fixes and enhancements, especially for the ROG Phone 9, which is the older of the two.
Asus has provided some important notes for users. They warn that some third-party apps may not be compatible with Android 16 yet, so it's crucial to back up your device before applying the update. Additionally, the update is being rolled out in batches based on device serial numbers, so it might take a few days for all users to receive it.
Let's dive into the specific changes for each device:
Asus ROG Phone 9 Update Changelog
- Back Up Your Data: Before upgrading to Android 16, make sure to back up your important data. It's always better to be safe than sorry!
- Upgraded System: The system has been upgraded to Android 16, bringing a host of new features and improvements.
- Adjusted Navigation: The Predictive Back animation can now be triggered by either the back gesture or a long-press on the back button, offering more flexibility in navigation.
- Power Button Option: A new power button option has been added to the advanced settings, allowing users to quickly access the digital assistant with a long-press.
- Screen Recording: A skip countdown button has been added to the screen recording feature, making it easier to start recording without delays.
- IMEI/Serial Number Copy: In the About Phone > Status setting, users can long-press the IMEI or Serial number field to copy the content, a handy feature for quick reference.
- Bluetooth Headset Fix: A fix has been implemented to address the issue of occasional no sound during calls with Bluetooth headsets.
- 3rd-Party App Compatibility: Some third-party apps may not be compatible with Android 16 yet, so be mindful of this when updating.
- Updated Game Profiles: Game profiles have been updated for several popular titles, including Arena of Valor, Garena® Delta Force, Genshin Impact, Free Fire, and more. These updates enhance the gaming experience on your ROG Phone 9.
- AirTrigger Profiles: AirTrigger profiles in ROG Instant Master have been updated for various games, such as NEW STATE: NEW ERA OF BR, Brawl Stars, Genshin Impact, and others. This ensures smooth and responsive gameplay.
- Macro Profiles: Macro profiles in ROG Instant Master have been updated for games like Arena of Valor, Zenless Zone Zero, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and more. These updates optimize your gaming setup for an even better experience.
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Update Changelog
- Back Up Your Data: As with the ROG Phone 9, it's essential to back up your data before upgrading to Android 16.
- Upgraded System: The system has been upgraded to Android 16, bringing all the latest features and improvements to your Zenfone 12 Ultra.
- Adjusted Navigation: Similar to the ROG Phone 9, the Predictive Back animation can be triggered by either the back gesture or a long-press on the back button.
- Screen Recording: The skip countdown button has been added to the screen recording feature, making it more convenient to start recording.
- IMEI/Serial Number Copy: In the About Phone > Status setting, you can long-press the IMEI or Serial number field to copy the content, a useful feature for quick access.
- 3rd-Party App Compatibility: Keep in mind that some third-party apps may not be compatible with Android 16 yet.
To manually check for the update, simply open the Settings app, navigate to the System page, and tap System updates. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also learn how to manually flash the Android 16 update onto your Asus phone by following this guide (https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1690538&xcust=acus1432183505207239985&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fzentalk.asus.com%2Ft5%2Fothers%2Fnewbie-guide-how-to-update-my-system-firmware-do-i-have-the%2Fm-p%2F138434&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.androidcentral.com%2Fphones%2Fasus%2Fasus-rog-phone-9-and-zenfone-12-ultra-users-can-now-upgrade-to-android-16).
Stay tuned to Android Central for the latest news and updates in the world of Android. We're here to keep you informed and help you get the most out of your devices!
And this is the part most people miss... What do you think about Asus' approach to updating its flagship devices? Do you think they should have prioritized these updates sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and start a discussion.
